Victoria storms home to win 2007 21/Under National Netball Championships title

By Netball Australia

It was a stunning reversal of form for Victoria who had lost to NSW by 10 goals in the round-robin clash earlier in the tournament.

With the title on the line, VIC shooters Cailtlin Thwaites (GS) and Ashlee Howard (GA) dominated early scoring a combined 20 goals to give the VICS a handy 12 goal buffer at the major break, 30-18.

Despite centre court pressure from NSW centre Kimberly Green (C) and strong shooting from NSW Leah Shoard (GS), Victoria’s grip on the match proved unbeatable.

VIC stepped up their defensive pressure in the second half and with a combination of dynamic feeding into the circle and shooting accuracy, the reigning champions cruised to victory.

In the playoff for third and fourth, Western Australia and Queensland jostled for the lead in the first three quarters. Some costly missed shots by QLD in the fourth term broke the deadlock enabling WA to clinch the lead and take the match 48-39.

After an impressive week of top competition, 12 star players were announced by Netball Australia President, Noeleen Dix as the team of the 2007 21/U National Netball Championships, including:

• Madison Brown (VIC)

• Sophie Croft (QLD)

• Susan Fuhrmann (WA)

• Laura Geitz (QLD)

• Andrea Gilmore (WA)

• Kimberlee Green (NSW)

• Ashlee Howard (VIC)

• Sharni Layton (VIC)

• Samantha May (NSW)

• Jacinta Messer (QLD)

• Leah Shoard ( NSW)

• Caitlin Thwaites (VIC)