CASTERTON Sandford netball is celebrating a bevvy of rising stars, with three players named best and fairest in their respective netball grades at the weekend and another in the top four in her age group.

 Preparing to take their places with their team in this weekend’s grand final battle at Vansittart Park, Ylana Grigg and Rachel Forbes caught the umpires’ eyes on multiple occasions this year, Grigg named the 13 & Under B Best and Fairest Award recipient, while Forbes placed fourth in the medal count.

Both key elements to the Cats’ defensive efforts, Grigg has a jump and a reach almost unequalled in her age group and paired with Forbes’s speed and ability to read play, the pair has provided plenty of headaches for their opposition this year.

Indi Longhurst made it back-to-back titles, the 2021 15 & Under B premiership player and best and fairest this year winning the top award in the 15 & Under A division.

And in the 17 & Under count, Ebany Jarrad’s exceptional year on the court earned her the 2022 best and fairest title.

Backing up her age group game with regular appearances in the Cats’ A Grade team this year, as well as representative call-ups in both South Australia and Victoria, Jarrad was only last week described by coach Jodie Smith as “an absolute gun … an outstanding netballer” and the weekend’s results also tell that tale.

The netball association also paid tribute to Cat Madelene Cleary, who this year marked 200 games with Western Border.

Casterton Sandford was also well-represented at the Western Border Football League medal count, with senior Cat, Diarmid Cleary, placing third in the first 18 medal count, before being named alongside teammates Dylan Ayton, Billy Galpin and Hamish McCrae, in the league’s team of the year.

Grand final-bound

CASTERTON Sandford’s 13 & Under B girls came out firing in the preliminary final, determined to take the final spot in this weekend’s premiership decider against Millicent.

The girls showed no mercy for West Gambier, finishing the first quarter 13 to nil – the opposition’s inability to score thanks to tight defence from Chloe Kurzman and Ylana Grigg.

Kurzman, the last line of defence, had her eyes up and as soon as that ball entered her third, it was hers for the taking.

Renee Gorman showed she was a force not to be reckoned with, shooting eight of the Cats’ 13 goals, showing great confidence and providing the space in the goal ring.

The second quarter the Casterton Sandford girls were not taking their foot off the pedal, adding another six, while West joined them on the scoreboard with just three goals.

Ella McKinnon came into wing defence, her height forcing West errors, allowing Grigg to pluck the balls out of the sky and the end-of-game results showed only two goals scored against the association’s 2022 best and fairest, for the whole game.

Phoebe Rhook was a consistent goaling option, adding height for any rebounds and her drives out for the ball and ability to move the ball around the circle added to Casterton Sandford’s strong lead of 19 to three.

Despite it being a one-sided match, the girls still gave 100 per cent effort for the whole match.

Marlee Robbins provided endless options all the way down the court; her drives into the attacking end made it easy for the goalers to set up.

In defence, Marlee kept tight on her opponent, forcing many turn overs.

Nicole Cornish came in to partner with Marlee, providing height over the ball and also a tight hustle on her wing attack. Rachel Forbes was in at goal defence and this girl does not stop.

She was providing a fast defence for any balls coming her way on her opponent and is always an option in the attacking end, bringing the ball down with precise passing and confidence.

The final quarter, Casterton Sandford, bought on Adele Murphy, who displayed her strong drives and strong passes, completely shutting down her wing attack and assisted in keeping West to four goals.

Makayla Rees came into the centre and did not disappoint, driving hard and intercepting many balls coming down the court.

Makayla is a very fast player and her opponents find her very hard to keep up with.

The final score Casterton Sandford 29 to West 13.

Coach Renae Newell said all girls should be proud of the game they showcased, with each and every player contributing to the team’s place in this weekend’s grand final.

“All the best and let’s bring our best netball and show Millicent Casterton Sandford are a strong competitor,” Newell said.

The 13 & Under B Cats head to Vansittart Park this weekend, where they take the court at 9.45am, Victorian time, against the Millicent Saints.