The year seven and eight side made only one change to the team heading into their second year of the competition and Catriona Martin believes it helped the students overcome their opposition.

“The side played together a year earlier and came close to reaching the state finals but they showed a lot of progress this year because they trained hard and had a greater understanding of the sport,” Martin said.

“It helps that the students are all naturally talented and have high athleticism.”

St Paul’s College defeated all the North Coast sides in a carnival to progress to the regional finals where they remained undefeated to advance to the state finals in the statewide competition.

The side played three teams in the group stages of the state finals and their closest match ended in a draw. 

On the back of their results, the side earned top spot in their group and they played Trinity Catholic College in an elimination semi-final.

St Paul’s College earned a comfortable win to advance to the final where they faced Narara Valley High School.

St Paul’s College held on in a nervous final for the 8-6 victory and earned the state title crown.

Martin was proud of the side’s efforts, especially when considering only a handful of players have competed in a netball tournament outside of the school competition.

“There are a couple who play in a mixed tournament but most were new to the sport last year,” Martin said.

“To go through the tournament undefeated and claim the state title is quite an achievement.

“It’s a credit to their teamwork, tenacity and their desire to keep pushing towards the win.”

Martin admits she struggled to gather a team to compete on the court in the first year but said the boys grew to love the sport.

“Initially there wasn’t much interest, I had to put a fair bit of effort into recruiting to make a side but this year it was easy to get the team together with a lot of the players coming back after their success last year,” Martin said.

“The boys enjoy the sport and it’s proven with their hard work to get the amazing result.

“It was a great opportunity for them to get involved in a new sport.”

The St Paul’s College netball side was made up entirely of year eight boys who will compete in the year nine and 10 competition next year.

The school expressed their gratitude to year seven student Rebecca Cotter who umpired at the carnivals.