Central wins license for new Victorian Netball League

Monash University Central netball club has secured one of only 10 licenses handed out for the new Victorian Netball League starting in 2009.

Clubs competing in the new league, which replaces the current State League, will field teams in Championship, Division 1 and Under-19s.

Central club president Shane O’Sullivan said the club was pleased to receive a license and he expected the new competition to be stronger than in previous years.

“We’re ecstatic with the result and its due to the hard work put in by club members that we were able to get the license,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“A few strong teams have missed out on licenses so there may be other players who are looking for a club in the new league next year.”

Netball Victoria President Jenny Sanchez said the decision making process was particularly difficult given the depth of applications from netball clubs.

Clubs in the VNL are: North East Alliance, Monash University Central,
VU Western Lightning, Eastern Ariels, Peninsula Waves, Bayside Eastside Southern, Geelong Netball Club, Ballarat Pride, Boroondara Power and Hume City Falcons. After round 13, Monash University Central (10 wins, 2 losses) is second on the ladder behind the undefeated Hume City Falcons.

Brierly Parker and Karyn Bailey are in the top three for the State League Championship division’s Hot Shot Award, Bailey shooting the second-most goals in the competition with 394 from 468 attempts.