The third edition of the High School Netball Championships were recently held after the tournament was established in 2019. This year’s edition expanded to include a Grade 7/8 division, alongside the Grade 9/10 division. Netball Tasmania founded the High School Championships to create a competitive netball competition for secondary school students, provide opportunities for greater involvement and development in netball, whilst providing a fun and inclusive environment.
This year a record 99 teams participated from 36 schools from across the state, from St Mary's to Smithton to Huonville. Over 900 participants took to the court, including over 350 boys. The quality of competition was a clear step up from last year, with many participants regularly competing in local competitions and returning from the 2021 edition of the championships.
The tournament included 11 regional carnival days held across Hobart, Launceston, Ulverstone and Devonport. Scheduling challenges impacted three of the carnival days, such as the unexpected public holiday (National Day of Mourning) impacting two regional days, followed by Australian Education Union stop-work impacting another two days. Despite these challenges and thanks to the efforts of teachers and school staff, the majority of entered teams were able to participate in the rescheduled carnivals.
The two top-place getters from each regional carnival gained entry to the state-wide final, bringing together the top performing teams from around the state, this year held in Hobart across two days. Competition was fierce, with an amazing five draws and two 1-point games, from the 28 pool games. A special mention to St. Patrick's College Boys 7/8 who played three pool games, all three ending in a draw!
The Semi Finals and Grand Finals were tense, including thrilling 1-goal and 2-goal margins in the 9/10 Grand Finals. Congratulations to all teams who participated in the tournament and well done to the winners of each division:
Girls 7/8 – St. Patrick's College
Boys 7/8 – The Hutchins School
Girls 9/10 – Clarence High School
Boys 9/10 – Sacred Heart College
Netball Tasmania would like to thank all players, teachers and school staff, umpires, venues, helpers and supporters, and tournament sponsor Mood Food, the support for the tournament was fantastic. We are already looking forward to the 2023 edition!
The full results from the 2022 tournament are available on PlayHQ here.
Further information on the tournament and 2023 information will be here.
