The 2018 Nations of Origin kicked off with a netball tournament in Raymond Terrace on Monday morning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Eleven Aboriginal nations fielded teams in the under-14 girls netball competition which was hosted by Port Stephens Netball Association for a third year.
“We’re really happy and proud to be hosting this event,” Sue Xenos from the association said during the opening ceremony. “We have no problem finding volunteers to help run it each year. I hope we can continue this tradition in the years to come.”
Worimi woman Aunty Bev Manton, who now lives in Tuncurry, drove the 130km to Raymond Terrace on Monday morning to perform the welcome to country.
Speaking to the young participants of the netball tournament, Ms Manton highlighted the well-klnown Aboriginal women who play netball on the national and international stage including Worimi woman and 2011 Netball NSW Hall of Fame Player Sharon Finnan OAM.
“As Aboriginal people, we are high achievers,” Ms Manton said. “We only get there by starting at the age that you are today, young people having a commitment and strong drive and being proud of who you are and proud of the people who raised you.”
Port Stephens councillor Giacomo Arnott, representing the mayor Ryan Palmer, and PCYC NSW CEO, Dominic Teakle, also spoke at the opening ceremony.
Worimi has fielded three teams in the netball tournament this year. All coaching and management staff plus a majority of players are from Hunter River High School. Players also hail from Irrawang High School.
The day-long netball tournament wrapped up at the Raymond Terrace courts on Monday afternoon. Awakabal defeated Biripi in the final to claim the winners trophy.
In pool A, Worimi placed third and fifth and in pool B, sixth (full results below).
Rugby sevens will begin at Lakeside in Raymond Terrace on Wednesday and a boxing tournament, in its first year as part of Nations of Origin, will be held in Nelson Bay on Wednesday night.
Results
WINNER: Awabakal 1
RUNNERS UP: Biripi
POOL A
First Place: Awabakal 1 – 13 points
Second Place: Wiradjuri South-Mawang Gaway – 13 points
Third Place: Worimi 1 (Team A Blue) – 9 points
Fourth Place: Anaiwan – 8 points
Fifth Place: Worimi 3 (Team C) – 7 points
Sixth Place: Wiradjuri East – 3 points
Seventh Place: Wonnarua Maitland – 3 points
POOL B
First Place: Biripi – 12 points
Second Place: Wiradjuri North-Guugas – 12 points
Third Place: Wonnarua Muswellbrook – 11 points
Fourth Place: Awabakal 2 – 9 points
Fifth Place: Tharawal – 6 points.
Sixth Place: Worimi 2 (Team B Green) – 4 points
Seventh Place: Darkinjung – 2 points
Eight Place: Kamilaroi South – 0 points
2018 Nations of Origin schedule:
Netball
Monday, July 16
8.30am-4.30pm
Port Stephens Netball Courts, William Bailey Street, Raymond Terrace
Football Fives
Tuesday, July 17
8.30am-4.30pm
Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, 13 Park Street, Speers Point
Basketball
Tuesday, July 17
8.30am-4.30pm
Newcastle Basketball Stadium 27 Young Road, Broadmeadow
Boxing
Wednesday, July 18
5pm-9pm
PCYC Port Stephens 7 Austral Street, Nelson Bay
Rugby League
Wednesday, July 18 and Thursday, July 19
8.30am-4.30pm
Lakeside Sporting Complex Leisure Way, Raymond Terrace