Vicki Wilson Championships: Canterbury College dominate; the Best and Fairest revealed
The Vicki Wilson Championships: See the TOP 15 Best and Fairest players from a weekend which saw Netball Queensland’s School of the Year create history.
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Canterbury College, Netball Queensland’s School of the Year, made history by winning both the Cup and Shield in the 2022 Vicki Wilson Championships—the first time a school has held both titles.
In the final against King’s College, Canterbury landed its fourth consecutive Shield title after a stirring squad performance from Tayla Southall, Taylah Henry, Eliora Wood, Bridie Stewart, Juliana Tamala, Mamaeroa Falwasser, Payton Horua-Chase, Jayda Penitani, Jasmine Fidow and Benae Toloa.
The Cup team (Lathia Sheppard, Madisen-Jade Iva, Ema-Lamei Wood, Kadasha MaAfu, Aalyiah Sheppard, Ainslie Iva, Kaylee Tamala, Tia Crombie, Holly Comyns, Siana Matavalea, Emaluni Otuafi, Zoe Battaglene-Sharpe) jumped from fourth in 2021 to first, taking out the championships over King’s College.
A five goal win in the semi final against reigning champions Somerset, set the scene for a battle of the South Coast schools.
Both teams were exceptional in defence however Canterbury were able to capitalize on the turnovers to secure a convincing 19 goal win.
15 OF THE BEST AND FAIREST
Ema Wood (Canterbury College Waterford)
Ema Wood has been the backbone of the Canterbury College defence for a whopping six years. The unassuming defender has closing speed second to none.
She was able to dominate the turnovers across both GD and WD.
Kadasha MaAfu (Canterbury College Waterford)
MaAfu played a significant role in Canterbury’s win over Somerset in the semi final. Her speed and dynamic attack created havoc for defenders throughout the competition.
Lathia Sheppard (Canterbury College, Waterford)
Canterbury netball captain Lathia Sheppard battled through injury to give her best in what was her final competition as captain.
Sheppard’s ability to read the game and feed the ball to Canterbury’s dynamic shooting combination, was exceptional.
Tianna Apelu (St Peter Claver College, Riverview)
Defending in netball is an extremely hard task, but Tianna Apelu did an outstanding job in defence, over the entire weekend of the Vicki Wilson Cup Finals Series.
Apelu worked tirelessly, predominantly at Goal Keeper, to disrupt the flow of all opposition shooters who came against her.
Her rebounding efforts and intercept gains were second to none.With the incredible teamwork she shared with fellow defender, Molly Green, most shooting combinations were unable to make headway.
Cody Brown (Ignatius Park College)
Throughout the open boys division of the Vicki Wilson Championships, Year 12 Cody Brown showed an elite level of athleticism, skill and sportsmanship.
Brown’s adaptable basketball skill set in goal attack position and tenacity in reading the game play as centre, enabled team flow in both attack and defence moves, changing the outcome when the pressure mounted in nail biting fourth quarters.
Lleyton Ward (Ignatius Park College, Townsville)
Lleyton Ward has been recognised as the ‘Best and Fairest’ player of the Vicki Wilson Open Boys State Cup for the Ignatius Park College Phoenix Phunder.
His comedic antics, combined with consistent focus and accurate shooting enabled a strong headway for the team.
Ward had the highest goal shooting statistics in his team, with over 60 nets accumulated with ease across the eight matches.
Yousif Abdalla Gamar (St James College)
Yousif Abdalla Gamar has been developing his craft as the ‘Jimmies’ Goal Shooter for the last two years.
As one of the most aggressive and dominant Goal Shooters at the Vicki Wilson Championships, he was deservingly St James’ Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Desmond Inoke (Glenala State High School)
Desmond Inoke was a key impact player throughout the carnival. He filled in at GD and GA depending on the strength needed at each end.
He demonstrated great leadership and all players looked to him for motivation on court and guidance.
Atlanta Horan (Somerset College)
Year 11 wing attack Atlanta Horan was a consistent work horse, chasing down every ball. Her efforts, inspiring those around her.
Tahlia Evans Somerset College
Year 11 Somerset centre Tahlia Evans is an elite athlete possessing incredible speed and skill. She was faultless when controlling the ball.
Lachlan Back St (John’s College, Nambour)
Lachlan Back showed immense talent as a defender throughout the competition. His ability to sit off the player and use his quick closing speed saw him consistently intercepting opposition passes.
Charlize Ratu King’s Christian College Reedy Creek
Ratu was a standout player in her team. She turned over at least five intercepts a game and challenged her opponents to an extent where she kept them out of the game.
Tyler Ash (Bundaberg State High School, Bundaberg)
Ash has been a member of the Bundaberg High Hurricanes for two years. At this year’s championships he was named as team captain.
His natural sporting ability and ability to guide the play gives him the advantage of being able to play in both the defensive and attacking positions which he did during this carnival. His precision in the goal circle capitalised on some dynamic team play and therefore made him the most valuable player for the Hurricanes during this championship.
Ashlee Ruwhiu King’s Christian College Reedy Creek
Year nine Ashlee Ruwhiu was a dynamic and quick GA who shot at over 90% in each game. Her movement made defenders struggle to keep up with her.
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