For the second consecutive year Bond University Bull Sharks 18Us have taken silver at the Netball Queensland 18U State Titles.
Bond’s 18Us were undefeated after the pool stages and earned their place in the grand final courtesy of a heart-stopping one goal semi-final win over a very good Carina Tigers outfit.
The Bull Sharks took on fierce rival Wavell-Kedron in the gold medal game and toiled hard, but in the end an experienced Cougars side proved too strong.
Meanwhile, our 16Us - despite an outstanding tournament that saw them drop only one pool game across three days of competition - found themselves relegated to a 5 v 6 play-off courtesy of percentage.
Bond Head of Netball, Kim Boland, said both teams performed extremely well in a highly competitive environment.
“You learn a lot about yourself as a player during these tournaments,” she said.
“The talent in every position on every court is extraordinary, and the standard of competition is unrelenting.
“Playing multiple four quarter games across consecutive days is a big mental and physical challenge.
“We are incredibly proud of our girls.
“Both squads showed incredible discipline to stay in the hunt across three days.”
The State Titles operate as an extended trial for selection in Queensland 19U and 17U programs.
This year, an impressive eight Bond athletes were picked.
Bond University Bachelor of Architecture student and Ruby-level shooter, Bridie Stewart, and Bond Bull Sharks Emerald players Olivia Davidson, Milla Nelson, and Jariah Vuna-Kivalu join newcomer Camille Brownjohn in the 19U squad.
Lucia Dore and Eva Elisara – both Bond Emerald players – and rising Bull Sharks EPL 17U goaler, Zoe Peters, made the Queensland 17U cut.
Boland said there is always players who can count themselves unlucky.
“There’s always disappointments,” she said.
“But you never really know who is watching and when.
“I think a couple of our 16U girls were very unfortunate not to force their way in.
“One or two of 18Us were also unlucky.
For Boland, attention now turns to 2027 Hart Premier League Ruby and Sapphire trials on Saturday, 17 October.
Elite Premier League and Emerald trials take place the next day.