NCB Valley Netters upstaged the 2006 league champion ASCO last Sunday to take the title of the Zee’s Construction Ashburton Sports and Cultural Organisation Netball Competition at the Gomea Methodist School Hardcourt.{{more}}

Held over from 2007, after a break was taken to make way for the festive Christmas season, the league final was played under a cloud of disinterest. The eventual champion fielded a mere seven players, while ASCO only put five players on the court throughout.

A spattering of spectators compounded the situation and belied the thought of the match was really a Final.

Not taking much advantage of their numerical advantage, Valley Netters could only lead by one goal at the end of the first quarter, 10-9. It was a similar marginal lead at the end of the second quarter 23-22.

Valley Netters then pulled away in the third quarter to establish a five goal lead. The third quarter ended 39-34, and the issue was sealed 49-44, at the final whistle.

Leading the scoring for the new champion was the powerfully built Juliette Williams, who shot 40 of her 46 attempts. She was assisted by Phyllis Welcome, the Goal Attack, with her 9 successful shots from her 13 attempts at scoring.

For ASCO, Jasmine Frank scored 33 of her 38 attempts and Thelma Foster, who showed all her years of experience, shot 9 of 13, including several long range efforts.

Also planned for last Sunday was the third place play off, but a no show by The Rebels Athletics Club (TRAC) handed Yanja Young Strugglers the third spot.

The competition comes to a complete halt this Sunday with the Division 2 and A Knock Out Finals.

The Presentation Ceremony follows Sunday’s finals. (RT)