This Saturday, 16 September, National Park will host the thrilling conclusion of the 2023 Greater Bank Newcastle Netball Association (NNA) Tri Series.An entire day of free sporting entertainment, featuring some of the Hunter’s finest athletes – both emerging and elite – there will be junior games from 8am, with Tri Series matches starting at 12 noon.
Greater Bank NNA Tri Series grand finals
Championship: 3pm
University 1 vs West Leagues Balance 1
Open Competition: 1:30pm
Nova Storm vs University 2
Under 23: 12 noon
West Leagues Balance vs University 3
David Baker, Greater Bank Head of Retail, said the customer-owned institution was proud to help ensure spectators had an amazing game-day experience all-round.
“The atmosphere is set to be full of excitement, with a grandstand installed to ensure all in attendance have spectacular sightlines, which will be supplemented by a big-screen to see the action up-close, and those watching from home will receive live commentary of the game,” Mr Baker said.
“While the most exciting action will obviously be taking place on the court, we want to ensure younger fans are entertained throughout the day, so there will also be face-painting and food trucks.
“We can’t wait to see the stands packed with cheering fans, showing these top-class athletes the support they so richly deserve, having made it all the way to the grand final of the Hunter’s premier netball competition.“And for those who can’t make it on the day, the whole event is going to be live-streamed on YouTube!”
NNA President, Cheryl Hernando, commended all eight clubs that made the 2023 season so closely contested across all three grades.
“We’re expecting three matches of the highest quality for the simple reason that all eight clubs that competed in the Greater Bank NNA Tri Series gave us such a wonderful season of netball,” said Mrs Hernando.
“University 1 won the Major Semi Final in extra time, forcing South Lions to face off against West League Balance 1 in the final last Saturday. The Final was another tight game, with West League Balance 1 winning only by the one goal.
“It could have gone either way, and sets the Championship grand final up to be one very exciting game of netball.
“Both teams have homegrown players who play in the State’s Premier League competition in Sydney.
“Sabina Gomboso and Millie Tonkin from University 1 play for North Shore United and Manly Warringah Sapphires respectively. Savannah Angelozzi, Ella Butcher, Samantha Chicken and Jemma Lucas from West League Balance 1 have all been playing for Central Coast Heart.“I’d also like to thank Greater Bank for their long-term investment in our sport, which enables us to provide a pathway for our juniors through to elite players, and an opportunity for our small clubs to thrive.”
Greater Bank’s support of NNA now spans more than two decades, with this ongoing partnership playing a pivotal role in player and pathway development.