THE Victorian All Abilities team has defended its title at the Marie Little OAM Shield at the weekend.
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The Victorian team, which included Bendigo duo Kylie Campbell and Ashlea Rollason, defeated rivals New South Wales on Sunday to make sure the prestigious trophy stayed within the state for another year.
Campbell and Rollason play domestic netball at the Golden City association on Saturday afternoons and have both represented Bendigo at All-Abilities state titles.
The duo can play in either the mid-court or in defence.
Victoria won the coveted title after winning the thrilling final by just a goal in the final minute of play at the Waverley Netball Centre.
The final score was 9 to 8.
Having lost to New South Wales in its final pool match, Victorian coach Janet Parker said she was delighted her team was able to bounce back when it mattered.
“It wasn’t exactly the game I thought we were going to play, I didn’t think it was going to be that close but I’m so glad that we’ve come away with a win," she told the Netball Australia website.
"The Marie Little OAM Shield is an excellent way for the states to get together and play the game that we all love."
The All-Abilities tournament, is for players with an intellectual disability.
It is in it's second year, with South Australia also competing in the round-robin event.
Organisers are hoping more states get involved for the 2015 competition.
Meanwhile the Victorian Fury has booked its spot in the finals of the Australian Netball League.
Led by co-captain and former north central netballer Caitlyn Strachan, the Fury have finished the season in first position, securing the double chance.
The defending champions didn't lose a game this season.
In the final round of the home and away season, the Fury defeated the New South Wales Warriors in a high scoring game.
The final score was 71 to 69.
In its second game the Fury defeated the Queensland Fusion 64 to 47.
The Fury will now play-off against the Warriors for a spot in what will be its second successive grand final.
The game will be played on Saturday at the Waverley Netball Centre at 5pm.
Chloe Watson's Victorian Flames, dropped its final two games of the regular season, which meant they missed out on a finals berth.
The Flames finished the season in sixth position.