Strong performance from Ongerup Netball Association helps secure title at association championships

Ongerup Netball Association came away with silverware from the Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships in Perth on June 3-5. The ONA took one team to the annual championships, taking on five other teams in open division three. Losing just one qualifying game, Ongerup got past Success in the crossover finals and then prevailed by four goals in the grand final to claim the title. After a strong 37-8 win over Singapore Cricket Club in their opening game, Ongerup then won a single-goal thriller over Success. Ongerup then beat Joondalup 34-17 before suffering their first loss of the competition at the hands of Merredin, 24-22, in game four. Their fifth game was cancelled due to severe weather and that pushed Ongerup into a crossover final against Success. They emerged with a three-goal win to book a place in the decider against Bunbury. Ongerup proved victorious, holding their nerve to defeat Bunbury 20-16. The winning Ongerup team was made up of Bridget Michell (team manager) Sharon Miniter, Caroline Miniter, Nicole Hollis (player-coach), Tess Shields, Jodi Duncan, Courtney Wilson (ONA umpire), Madi Smart, Kei-leigh Miniter, Jamie Lee and Melita Davey. The win carried extra significance for Sharon Miniter and Hollis, who after about 20 years of competing at the championships have decided to hang up the dresses and let the younger talent come through.