Gippsland Storm has fallen agonisingly short of a premiership in its inaugural season in the Under-19 State Netball Series.
Having finished the season in first position, and accounting for the strong Edithvale-Aspendale in the semi-final, there was high hopes for success in the season decider.
Gippsland Storm got off to a strong start, but unfortunately couldn’t capitalise on their possession advantage, and only led by the barest of margins; 12-11 at quarter time.
The second quarter saw Storm take better advantage of its greater percentage of possession, and that transpired into a 26-20 lead at half time.
Unfortunately, it was the third quarter that become Storm’s undoing, where it gave up possession too easily, and didn’t respect possession, and lost the quarter 16-4.
This resulted in the Storm heading into the last quarter with a six-goal deficit to make up.
To its credit, Storm came out with a renewed hunger and determination in the final quarter, but it was crucial turnovers and errors at pivotal moments that again proved to be their undoing.
After a brave effort, the Storm fell short, 43-48.
Whilst a disappointing result, it was a fantastic outcome for the team and the club in the inaugural Under-19 competition, where hopefully the success of this team can transpire into long-term success for the club.
Trials for the 2025 Under-19 team will take place this Friday 6 September and Sunday 8September. See Storm’s Facebook page and click on the QR code to register.
