The fourth annual Netball Victoria Beach Netball event at Lakes Entrance’s Main Beach was a huge success over the weekend.
Lakes Entrance Netball Association partnered with Netball Victoria, East Gippsland Shire and GippSport to run the event and president of Lakes Entrance Netball Association, Kylie Curnow, said she was pleased with how it was received.
“The weather was perfect for the weekend, it was a little bit windy on Saturday but other than that it was perfect and showcased the event really well,” she said.
“We had three sections, one was an open mixed section, which had four teams.
“We had an open ladies section and there were three teams for that while we also had an under 17s section, which had five teams.
“It was the first time we had under 17s involved in the day and it went really well and all the kids really enjoyed it.”
Kylie said that spectators came and watched, which really boosted the atmosphere.
“There were a lot of beachgoers as usual,” she said.
“What was good to see wasthatwehadalotof families, parents and supporters for each of the teams, which was really good.”
With the event in its fourth year, Kylie believes it is still growing.
“In the first year we had nearly 30 teams competing but that was the first time it had been held anywhere in Victoria, but now it is gaining more popularity down the line towards Melbourne,” she said.
“The first year we had a lot of teams come down from that way and this year we still had teams that travelled from as far as Traralgon and near Koo Wee Rup as well as some local teams from Orbost, Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale.
“What really stood out was the level of competition, especially for those who haven’t played before.”
Kylie said the mixed event has helped the inclusion for everybody to take part.
“The men really bring out their competitive side,” she said.
“In beach netball you can dive for the ball and things like that and they really get into it.
“It’s great to see the men out there playing with the girls.
“Come finals time it was quite competitive for everybody and what you can do in beach netball is shoot three pointers from outside the goal ring and we saw a lot of people taking that on.”
Kylie thanked the Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club for its help throughout the event.
PICTURED: Harry Cook, of Red Eagles, catches the ball during the fourth annual Netball Victoria beach netball event at Lakes Entrance on Saturday. The event was also run on Sunday with the grand finals being held in the afternoon.
