Narrikup, Magpies, and Narrogin all returned home from Albany Junior Netball Carnival on Sunday with silverware for their trophy cabinets, taking out their respective division one titles in the 13-and-under, 12-and-under and 11-and-under competitions.

More than 320 players from eleven clubs across the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions travelled to Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre for the annual carnival, hosted by the Albany Netball Association.

ANA sides Kangas, Royals Saints, Railways, Bullets, Griffins, Narrikup and Denmark were joined on their home court by out-of-towners Ongerup, Kojonup, Narrogin Districts and Katanning for the full day competition that saw 35 teams wrestle for victory in a total of 92 games across six divisions.

The 13-and-under top grade title was taken out by Narrikup 13s Red, who narrowly defeated Katanning U14 in a thrilling 16-14 finish.

Railways Black were valiant in their one goal loss to Magpies U12 1 in the 12-and-under division one grand final, losing 4-5 in a low scoring affair.

Narrogin’s U11 side wiped the floor with Narrikup 11s in the 11-and-under championship match, managing 10 goals to the home sides three.

In the division two grand finals, Narrikup 13s Red defeated Royals Saints 21-11, 12U Narrogin beat Bullets 2 with a score of 16-6, and Griffins 2015 won 7-1 over Bullets 3 in the 11-and-under decider.

ANA president Rosemary Wolter said the carnival, organised by first time administrator Diane Stewart, was a huge success.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for our younger athletes to compete in what is for some there first netball carnival,” she said.

“The young netballers displayed great sportsmanship and it was lovely to see them having so much fun.”

Winning coach of the 13-and-under division one Narrikup Red team Tanya McLennan said her players look forward to attending the carnival each year.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to compete in their own age groups, playing against both familiar teams and different opponents from out of town,” she said.

“It was a great experience for them to challenge themselves, develop their skills and build their love for the game.”

“The day ran incredibly smoothly, the umpires were outstanding, and we are very grateful to the Albany Netball Association for hosting such a successful carnival.

“It’s a fabulous opportunity for our youngest community netballers to come together, craft their skills and enjoy the sport we all love.”