Players from the over 35s (Valley Vipers), opens and under 17s sides contested the 2016 Regional State League competition with the finals played in Woolgoolga earlier this month.

The Valley Vipers were keen to take the court after their NSW Masters Bronze success last year. 

Despite training side by side with the opens this season, Regional League saw the two sides contest the championship as opponents, with seven other teams including Hastings, Woopi, Taree, Macleay and Great Lakes.

“We had four games in round 1 at Port Macquarie and another four in round 2 in Taree,” 35s player/coach Vicki Wassens said. 

“At the finals in Woolgoolga we were playing for a position in the grand final.”

Unfortunately for the club a local derby grand final was not to be, with the Vipers progressing to the final against the Macleay Opens. 

“The game was fast and physical, with every ball contested by both teams,” Vicki said. 

“Macleay benefited from the height provided by their goalers to get them into the lead, but our circle defenders quickly adjusted frustrating the Macleay attackers. 

“The defensive pressure from the centre courters aided in intercepts for us, and unforced errors from Macleay. 

Speed, timing, strength and pinpoint passing summarised the transition of the ball into the Vipers goalers. 

Going onto the court after each break, the Vipers never held the lead. 

“The change in the format to four, 15 minute quarters for the finals was taking its toll on injuries and fatigue,” Vicki said.

“Drawing on their “never say die” attitude, we managed to rise to the challenge and stole the game in the final minutes with a 53-50 victory earning the Regional League Division 2 Championship.”

* The opens went into the final day of the competition positioned well on the division 2 ladder. After a gruelling eight-round event, and a side riddled with injury, the girls went into the finals with just seven players.

“This left the side with no reserves in the playout,” opens manager Vicki Coombes said.

“Early in the first game, we led the event in what looked like a sure win.

“As fate would decree, one of our key players was injured early in the second quarter and had to be assisted from the court.”

From there, down a player, six girls were left to pick up the pieces.

“Macleay was determined and took the opportunity to not only make up the margin, but gain a significant advantage on the score board,” Vicki said.

“Unfortunately, even with the return of our injured player in the second half, we failed to make up the difference and Macleay was victorious with a 13-point lead.”

Now out of contention for first or second, the girls were left to play off for third and fourth position.

“With a seriously fatigued and injury laden side, the girls rolled up their sleeves and took on the formidable Hastings team with admirable fortitude.

“Early in this game, the team appeared unable to meet the task, however, with their reputed gusto and support from the sideline, they were victorious with an eight-point win, affording them third place in division 2.”