Hay Lions under 17s win Swan Hill netball tournament

The victorious Hay Lions under 17s netball champions (back row from left) coach Jade Auldist, Tilly Weeks, Hannah Edmonds, Hannah Jamieson, Emily Caughey and Matilda Nisbet.

Front: Poppy Barnes, Evie Creighton, Jade Doidge, Sienna Lund and Emily Taylor. Image: Hay Lions.

Hay Lions netball teams are shaping up to be hot contenders in the upcoming Golden Rivers season. Contributor Jade Auldist reports on two successful pre-season matches held over the weekend.

The Hay Lions Under-17s delivered an outstanding performance at the Swan Hill Junior Netball Tournament, securing the Grand Final win after a day of fierce competition, teamwork, and determination.

This newly formed team, consisting of players stepping up from last year’s under-14s alongside returning under-17s, took the tournament as an opportunity to build connections, refine their skills, and prepare for the upcoming 2025 season in the Golden Rivers competition.

From the outset, it was clear they were ready to make their mark.

The Lions opened their campaign against Swan Hill, taking time to adjust to playing together but steadily finding their rhythm.

As the game progressed, their teamwork strengthened, and they secured their first win.

Building on that momentum, they faced Cohuna in the second game, and claim a convincing win.

The third match saw them take on the Woorinen Tigers in a hard-fought contest that went down to the wire. Despite a determined effort, the Tigers managed to edge out Hay by just one goal.

The Lions bounced back in their final round game against Nyah, regaining confidence with another strong win.

With three wins from four games, Hay finished second on the ladder, setting up a semi-final clash against third-placed Swan Hill.

By this stage, the Lions were working seamlessly as a unit, showcasing their growing connection and confidence on the court.

They controlled the match from the outset, executing clean plays and applying relentless defensive pressure to secure a comfortable win and book their place in the grand final.

The grand final decider saw them face Woorinen once again, seeking redemption for their earlier loss. It was a high-intensity contest.

At halftime, Hay trailed by four goals, but there was no sign of panic. Instead, the team responded with determination and composure, lifting their intensity across the court.

Massive intercepts, strong drives to the ball, precise passing, and accurate shooting saw them claw back the deficit and take control of the game. Every player stepped up when it mattered most, and the Lions stormed home to claim a remarkable 26-16 win, turning the match around with a dominant second half.

The tournament was a valuable experience for the Hay Lions, allowing them to develop and fine-tune their game ahead of the season.

With such a promising display to kick off the year, the Hay Lions have set the tone for an exciting and competitive 2025 season.

Hay Lions under 12s netballers took on the Deni Rams for a practice match at the Hay Courts on Sunday, in what was a very competitive game.

Everyone should be congratulated on an entertaining and fun game to watch, filled with lots of wonderful goals, intercepts and fantastic passages of play.

With 21 children eager to participate in the upcoming 2025 Season, the Hay Lions Football Club are thrilled to see lots of new faces and welcome new families.

It was evident during the game that everyone was trying their best, but special mention must go to newcomers Bella Garner, Ariana Meade, Paddy Shields and Nhyla Phillips who were outstanding in their first game.

Thanks to Katie Arandt and her Deni  Rams  for making the trip across.