Deadly Sista Girlz shine on the netball court

The tournament attracted six standout teams from the hills to the canals.

Players from St Brigid’s College in Lesmurdie, John Tonkin College in Mandurah and Fremantle College on the coast joined students from Clontarf Aboriginal College and Belmont City College in the southern suburbs. The last team saw players from Gilmore College, Armadale Senior High School and SEDA College WA join forces to round out the competition.

Tough competition

The six teams took part in an intense round robin contest for four successive games over two hours, with several tightly fought contests decided by a single point.

And while the competition was fierce, it was professional and respectful, with players bringing their best game and sportswomanship in the spirit of solidarity and friendly rivalry.

Clontarf emerged as early favourites with a 3-1 record, while the Gilmore College / Armadale SHS / SEDA all-star team qualified for the finals undefeated, with a stunning 13-point comeback to win their last game 18-17.

A tense grand final

After a brief break for lunch, the teams met in the grand final while their peers, parents, families and mentors watched on.

Even after two hours of play, both teams brought their A-game, putting on a clinic of first-class netball with rapid-fire offense, deft playmaking and solid defending.

For the second half, no more than two points separated either team.

But the Gilmore / Armadale / SEDA team held on tight to a marginal lead, securing the win at 19-17 as the clock hit zero.

Congratulations to all of the Deadly Sista Girlz who took part in this year’s carnival and the team who put it together.

Deadly Sista Girlz is an holistic education, empowerment and healthy lifestyle program for Indigenous girls operating in 18 schools across Australia. DSG is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with support from corporate partners. Find out more.