Drouin Hawks fall short in club challenge
The State Hockey and Netball Centre played host to the Netball Victoria League Club Challenge, where Gippsland League’s 2016 A grade premiers Drouin Hawks made it all the way into the final of the inaugural event.
The Netball Victoria League Club Challenge was introduced in 2017 and saw 2016 A grade Netball League premiers from around the state invited to compete in a round robin tournament to ultimately crown the best league club in Victoria.
It is the first time Netball Victoria has created a new competition with clubs as a focus.
Traditionally all Netball Victoria competitions have been for Leagues, Associations and Regions – the higher levels in the netball pathway.
After a loss in their first match, Drouin bounced back to end day one in fifth position with four wins from their six games. A strong showing on day two saw the Gippsland League premiers win three straight matches to qualify for the semifinals.
After a loss in round five on day one to Diamond Creek, Drouin managed to turn around the result with a 24-18 semi-final victory to set up a clash with the undefeated Kangaroo Flat side.
After a big loss in their first match of the tournament against the Bendigo FNL outfit, the Hawks managed to take the final down to the wire, eventually falling just short 20-22.