Netballers play for mum

Caitlyn Bailey from Coldstream lines up a goal in Under 13s with Seville players Rebecca and Jessica defending 108886_01. Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY.

HUNDREDS of young netballers competed on Saturday in the second annual Janelle’s Miracle Junior Netball Classic at Mooroolbark.
Lilydale and Yarra Valley Netball Association hosted the special round robin charity tournament in memory of Lilydale mum Janelle Madigan who died last year from cancer.
The tournament is open to players in Under 9, 11 and 13 age groups and aims to promote grassroots netball and children’s involvement in sport, raise awareness and raise money for the foundation and to honour and remember Ms Madigan who was a great contributor to netball from junior level through the stage league.
The atmosphere with hundreds of girls, club officials and families setting up early at the Mooroolbark courts for an exciting day of half-time matches.
Montrose Netball Club secretary Sue Reynolds said the competition was a wonderful way for young players to participate in a different type of tournament against clubs from other associations and was a great way to promote grassroots sport and support a good cause.
Her comments were echoed by Cassandra Bailey from Coldstream Netball Club who said the competition was great for the girls who had thoroughly enjoyed the day and the opportunity to play with other girls in the club in a different format.
Other clubs from around the Yarra Valley included Seville, Mount Evelyn and Lilydale.