sport, netball, netball, Golden City, grand final, Thomsen, coronavirus, COVID-19, premierships, celebration
A STOP-START season that at one point looked in danger of being cancelled will come to a thrilling end for the Golden City Netball Association on Saturday. Eight weeks after reigniting its COVID-interrupted junior competitions, the association will celebrate grand final day at its Bendigo Stadium courts. Ten teams across three age divisions have won their way through to Saturday's premiership deciders. Two of the clubs represented - Boomerangs and Brumbies - have long been members of the GCNA, while others, including Harcourt, Carisbrook and Maiden Gully YCW, only joined the association this season when their usual leagues cancelled their competitions. A season like no other due to the coronavirus pandemic also means it will be a grand final day like no other. As much as the association would crave a huge crowd, GCNA president Rachel Thomsen said unfortunately there could be no change to the existing one spectator per player rule inside the complex. "To accommodate the grand final teams we've put the games on the outer courts so people can watch from the other side of the fence," she said. "It's a bit of a shame, being the last day - we'd love to have the masses there. "But putting the matches on the outside courts, people can still view the game from their car, or sit outside with a deck chair." Thomsen praised the conduct of players, coaches, parents and spectators this season as exemplary and had no doubt all COVID rules would be strictly followed one last time. "It's such credit to everyone involved - we've had such great feedback from everyone involved, including the new teams who joined us," she said. "It was great just to have netball played. The weather hasn't been kind at times, we've had torrential rain and scorching sun, and all during a pandemic. "But it's been fabulous what we've been able to achieve and it's been a real team effort." "We're really excited (about Saturday) and maybe looking forward to a break too after such an unpredictable year." 11.30am - 13-and-under section one: Panthers v St Therese's Tippett (court 7); 13-and-under section two: Lockwood Purple v St Monica's Maroon (court 9). 1pm - 14-and-under section one: Boomerangs Pink v Harcourt (court 7); 14-and-under section two: Brumbies Gold v Maiden Gully YCW Chisholm (court 9); 17-and-under: CFNC Redbacks v Boomerangs Purple (court 12). READ MORE: Netballers grasp golden chance Premiership trophy treat for Golden City netballers Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
It will be the celebration of a season when the Golden City Netball Association hosts grand final day on Saturday. Ten teams will view for premierships at the Bendigo Stadium courts. Picture: DARREN HOWE
A STOP-START season that at one point looked in danger of being cancelled will come to a thrilling end for the Golden City Netball Association on Saturday.
Eight weeks after reigniting its COVID-interrupted junior competitions, the association will celebrate grand final day at its Bendigo Stadium courts.
Ten teams across three age divisions have won their way through to Saturday's premiership deciders.
Two of the clubs represented - Boomerangs and Brumbies - have long been members of the GCNA, while others, including Harcourt, Carisbrook and Maiden Gully YCW, only joined the association this season when their usual leagues cancelled their competitions.
A season like no other due to the coronavirus pandemic also means it will be a grand final day like no other.
As much as the association would crave a huge crowd, GCNA president Rachel Thomsen said unfortunately there could be no change to the existing one spectator per player rule inside the complex.
"To accommodate the grand final teams we've put the games on the outer courts so people can watch from the other side of the fence," she said.
"It's a bit of a shame, being the last day - we'd love to have the masses there.
"But putting the matches on the outside courts, people can still view the game from their car, or sit outside with a deck chair."
Thomsen praised the conduct of players, coaches, parents and spectators this season as exemplary and had no doubt all COVID rules would be strictly followed one last time.
"It's such credit to everyone involved - we've had such great feedback from everyone involved, including the new teams who joined us," she said.
"It was great just to have netball played. The weather hasn't been kind at times, we've had torrential rain and scorching sun, and all during a pandemic.
"But it's been fabulous what we've been able to achieve and it's been a real team effort."
"We're really excited (about Saturday) and maybe looking forward to a break too after such an unpredictable year."
Golden City netballers have relished the opportunity to play competitive netball during the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: DARREN HOWE
Grand final schedule
11.30am - 13-and-under section one: Panthers v St Therese's Tippett (court 7); 13-and-under section two: Lockwood Purple v St Monica's Maroon (court 9).
1pm - 14-and-under section one: Boomerangs Pink v Harcourt (court 7); 14-and-under section two: Brumbies Gold v Maiden Gully YCW Chisholm (court 9); 17-and-under: CFNC Redbacks v Boomerangs Purple (court 12).
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
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