THE YEAR IN SPORT 2016
Former Neerim-Neerim South footballer Joel Whitford is closer to achieving his punting dream, securing a senior college scholarship from the University of Washington.
A Yarragon Wildcats basketball team can lay claim to being the best in the state after taking out the Victorian club championships recently.
The Wildcats A grade women’s side, which is made up of players still eligible to play in the under 16 age group, entered the club championships after taking out the winter competition premiership.
Local cricketers Kim Drew, Jonah Serong, Wilson McGillivray and Sam Whibley have launched into the season following state selection in recent weeks.
Warragul coach Steven Kidd was named Gippsland’s senior coach of the year at AFL Gippsland’s community and coaches awards.
Gippsland Umpires Association goal umpire Niall Thompson claimed the inaugural umpire of the year award.
The West Gippsland Eagles have defied the odds in taking out the Murrun Dhelk division one title, defeating a star-studded Fitzroy All Stars team in the final.
Warragul District Cricket Association’s representation in Gippsland Pride’s under 21 side has increased to three. Buln Buln wicketkeeper batsman Jack Armour has been selected in the side for the second consecutive season, while Western Park fast bowling all-rounder Sam Batson and Hallora off-spinner James Williams have also been selected in the side.
Drouin and District Netball Association’s successful All Abilities program saw it send two teams to represent Latrobe Valley netball region at the Netball Victoria state titles competition in Werribee, with one team finishing runner up.
With interest in the sport of Judo growing in the local area, a new club has been established in Drouin. Members of the club are in good hands, training under the watchful eyes of Martial Arts hall of fame inductees Sensei ‘master’ Mike Keane and Kevin Prime.
Yarragon cricketer Madlyn Borsato has been selected in the Victorian State Primary School under 12 squad.
Trafalgar tennis player Jemma Ashe has been selected to represent Victoria in the 2016 Federation Cup Foundation Interstate Challenge in Adelaide as number one player in the team. Drouin’s Darcy Nicholls has also been selected in the Victorian team.