A fast start in the 18U decider set the tone for the Cougars as they secured a 27-21 win over the Carina Leagues Club Tigers in the final match of the four-day event.
Earlier, the Cougars 16U team defeated the Gold Coast Titans 38-29 in a high-scoring contest, leading at every change to cap a dominant tournament where the Cougars won all of their matches on their way to the title.
Cougars defender Gemma Hutchings was named MVP of the 18U final while in the 16U division, fellow cougar Amelia Nemcansky claimed the MVP honours.
Tuesday’s finals wrapped up a four-day feast of high-quality netball featuring the best young players across the state.
Over 200 athletes from across the state competed across both grades including Ruby North franchises Mackay Monarchs, Far North Flames, Townsville City Netball and Capricorn Claws.
A North Queensland selection competed strongly in the 18U competition while another new-look franchise, Moreton Bay City Pulse, also made their debut in both grades.
Dozens of bench officials and umpires from across Queensland also played a key role to the tournament’s success with regional umpires from Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Gladstone and Toowoomba among those officiating.
Following the titles, a selection of 17U and 19U players have been chosen by Netball Queensland as State Squads to trial throughout the month of November before a final cohort of 16 players is chosen in both age groups in December.
Those squads will then complete a final selection process in January where the final team and training partners are chosen for next year’s Netball Australia National Championships.
