EVENT director Kate Hardwick says the standard of the Cairns beach netball event went to a new level in 2018.
After hosting the inaugural edition last year, the popular concept was back on the Cairns Esplanade on Saturday afternoon.
Teams in both the junior and senior divisions took part in the round-robin competition, playing for the James Cook University Cup, with the senior division winners also taking home the giant cheque and $ 500.
The team dubbed JCU Crew claimed the seniors section of the tournament while Big Baller Brand, named after the infamous LaVar Ball, was triumphant in the juniors division.
KEEN RIVALRY: The Boomshakalakaz’s Rachel Fa’anana in action against the Cutters in beach netball on the Cairns Esplanade. Picture: STEWART McLEAN.
“Cairns Esplanade provides one of the best locations in Australia for beach netball, and this year’s competition took it to the next level,” Hardwick said.
“Spectators were treated with an exceptionally high level of talent from both the junior and senior divisions.
“We can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year.”
Natasha Lyons was recognised as the most valuable player of the seniors tournament with Rachael Cannon, Claudia Philip and Tim Thorpe also in the top four.
Abigail Hughes won the junior MVP from Cooper Nancarrow, Jack Willis and Jake Priestly.
BEACH NETBALL WINNERS
Juniors
1 — Big Baller Brand
2 — Saints
3 — Beach Babes
Seniors
1 — JCU Crew
2 — Cutter
3 — A Team Has No Name
