Casterton-Sandford’s U15 netball team remarkably defies odds to make WBNA Grand Final

South Australia’s only Victorian team, Casterton-Sandford, brushed a long Covid lay-off aside to win its way into the Western Border Netball Association’s U15 B flag at late notice.

Casterton-Sandford's U15 netball team is playing in the Western Border GF this weekend after originally being ruled out of finals due to Covid. Picture: Casterton News

In one of the most impressive achievements in local sport this year, Casterton-Sandford’s U15 netball team have made the WBNA B Grade’s big dance this Saturday against East Gambier.

This means the same set of girls have each Saturday played their A Grade matches and immediately afterwards started their B Grade matches.

Amazingly, the team of nine has stayed undefeated in the B Grade division.

Indi Longurst was league Best and Fairest for Casterton-Sandford this year and is ready to go for Saturday. Picture: Supplied, Casterton News

Due to the most recent Victorian lockdown, the side had to put its season on hold, which led to a forced forfeit in the first round of the finals.

However, when lockdown restrictions lifted last Friday night, the girls had their first training session in weeks and played their preliminary final the next day, defeating Millicent 29-20.

Eighteen-year-old coach Claire Foster was blown away by the achievement.

“It was just amazing. All I wanted was the girls to get there after all they’ve been through this last year,” she said.

“Winning the grand final would be the first real positive thing for the team since Covid hit.

“They missed out on last season and they’ve missed out on a lot overall – like being able to go to school and see their mates, doing normal things.

“It would mean the world to them.”

With the team having to play two games each week this season, Foster has put major emphasis on their fitness.

She believes this, along with the side’s chemistry, has been the key to their success so far.

“We’ve been really focused from the start of the year on staying fit and driven but also enjoying it, because the girls play best when they’re enjoying the sport,” Foster said.

Casterton-Sandford's U15 netball team is playing in the Western Border GF this weekend after originally being ruled out of finals due to Covid. Picture: Casterton News

“The challenges with double fixtures and Covid restrictions have been tough physically and mentally but I think it’s only made us stronger.

“I coached the same group in U13s two years ago and we’ve only grown closer together. They’re so tough and motivated to play for each other.”

East Gambier has been a strong test all year for the Cats and this won’t be any different on Saturday.

While there is an injury cloud over captain and star player Phoebe Carlin, Foster is confident her girls can get a result.

“We’ve had a couple really good training sessions leading up to the game, so we’re excited and ready to go,” she said.

“We’ve had close battles with East all year so we’ll need to be at our best.

“I’m confident though. They’re the toughest girls I’ve coached and whatever happens I’m so proud of the determination and resilience they’ve shown.”

Casterton-Sandford will take on East Gambier at 10.45am on Saturday.