PYRAMID Hill’s fourth annual Pre-Season Community Practice Match Series attracted a finals-like crowd, with $1600 in gold coin entry donations going to the Pyramid Hill CFA branch.
The day was packed full of action courtesy of five football and eight netball games, providing entertainment and a positive vibe for supporters from all ten clubs involved.
A big crowd built up before the Bendigo Pioneers under-18 girls’ intra-club curtain raiser.
On a day where fine tuning and development of new game plans meant more than results, the Pioneers yellow team narrowly accounted for their blue teammates.
Central Rivers umpires officiated the match, along with the following two encounters between Wandella and Newbridge and Charlton and Ultima.
With a final term surge, Newbridge was able to finally shake off a determined Wandella squad and Ultima were able to get up over Charlton in the final stanza of the day’s third game.
The LVFNL umpires took control in game 4, and with a youthful squad representing Lake Boga, the game ended in a comfortable win to the Woorinen Tigers.
The final clash was the closest result of the day, with Pyramid Hill accounting for neighbours Boort thanks to the final two goals of the day.
There was action-aplenty on the netball courts, with eight games over the day.
A key feature of the contests on both courts was the presence of Netball Victoria umpires, who were there to assist club umpires seeking to obtain their badge during the coming season.
Courtside feedback and mentoring was a highlight of the day for the club umpire representatives.
Feedback from clubs was positive, with coaches stating the chance to introduce new members and work on tactics and strategies was a key focus.
Spectators, players and officials were also able to take advantage of free health checks.
Spot skin checks were offered thanks to Your SkinScan, Northern District Community Health provided both blood sugar and blood pressure checks to those who were interested.
Supporting these valuable services was The Van, a mental health service provided by Anglicare to support teenagers.
Matchday supplies business Sportstrap donated the services of sports trainers and first aid equipment for all participating clubs.
Most clubs and umpires indicated enthusiasm to stage a similar event in 2025.
