Here for Beer full of cheer after big event
ORGANISERS are already planning towards going “bigger and better” for Cairns Beach Netball 2018 after the inaugural event in the Far North.
The first event of its kind was played at the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday afternoon with nine teams competing in the seniors’ division while seven did battle in the juniors.
In the seniors’ final, Here for Beer – made up of Katie Lowe, Lili Koch, Oliver Koch, Georgie Patmore, Lily Hulse, Britten Lockie, Alexander Hamilton and Liam White – were too strong for the JCU Cutters, winning 11-8 in an exciting final.
Koch, a talented Australian rules footballer, claimed the MVP of the tournament as his team won 12 games and only dropped one over the day.
Event director Kate Hardwick is looking towards another big edition of the tournament next year.
“Organisers could not be more thrilled with the first ever Beach Netball event in Cairns,” Hardwick said.
“We’re really happy with the numbers and turnout of support on the day.
“Beach Netball is a new concept, but one that the Cairns locals grasped really well.
“With the support of James Cook University, Chemist Warehouse and the Cairns Regional Council, we know the event will continue to grow from strength to strength.
“We felt it was a great privilege having the Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett involved in the event, and she loved her time in Cairns.
“Planning is already under way for the 2018 Beach Netball festival, earmarked for July on the Cairns Esplanade.”
Marlin Coast Marlins player in the Queensland state league Emma Lardner was the best performed for the JCU Cutters, who just fell short in the final.
Her Marlins teammate Rachel Fa’anana was influential in the junior division as Beach Girls knocked over Team Intersport in a tight final 5-4.
Diamond Bassett spent her time in Cairns supporting and encouraging netballers.
“I love the beach and I love netball so I knew combining the two was going to be ridiculous amounts of fun,” she said.
Beach Netball is a travelling tournament, with events held in Melbourne and Adelaide early next year.