Three from three as Junee netballers sweep semi-finals

JUNEE Netball Club has completed a clean sweep of its semi-finals, with all three of its finals-bound teams claiming victories in a remarkable day for the club in Wagga.

The Junee Ex-Services Firebirds, Junee QUBE Blaze and Junee Supermix Giants all prevailed on Saturday, overcoming pouring rain and three vastly different contests to keep their finals campaigns alive.

It continued an outstanding season for the small club, which sent three of its five teams into the finals after the Firebirds and Giants finished the 14-round regular season as minor premiers.

Image: Junee Netball Club

The under-12 Firebirds produced the most dramatic victory of the day, edging the Pink Panthers 32-30 in a qualifying final thriller that required not one, but two periods of extra time to decide.

Junee entered the contest knowing there was little separating the two sides after they had traded wins during the regular season.

That proved to be the case again, with the Firebirds going goal-for-goal with the Panthers before digging deep without a substitute on the bench to eventually prevail by two.

It was another chapter in a remarkable season for a team which was in danger of being cut before the competition even began due to a lack of players.

After eventually assembling a side, the Firebirds went on to win 13 of their 14 regular-season games and claim the minor premiership.

Under 12 Firebirds | Image: Supplied

There was considerably less late drama for Junee’s under-14 QUBE Blaze, who kept their season alive with an emphatic 22-9 elimination final victory.

With no second chance available, the Blaze took control from the outset and led throughout to secure their place in the next stage of the finals.

Their victory was another reward for a side which has been forced to overcome adversity throughout 2026.

The Blaze began the season with only seven players and no substitutes before injuries stretched their playing stocks even further, forcing younger members of the club to regularly step up and help fill the gaps.

Despite those challenges, they finished the regular season third and now remain alive after comfortably clearing their first finals hurdle.

Under 14 Blaze | Image: Supplied

The under-16 Supermix Giants completed Junee’s perfect day with a 42-37 qualifying final victory.

In another tight encounter, the minor premiers were pushed throughout before finding another gear in the final quarter to pull clear and secure the five-goal win.

The Giants entered the finals on the back of 12 victories from 14 regular-season matches and continued that strong form when it mattered on Saturday.

Under 16 Supermix Giants | Image: Supplied

All three victories came amid persistent rain in Wagga, but the wet conditions did little to dampen Junee’s support on the sidelines.

Junee Netball Club celebrated a memorable day which saw all three of its semi-finalists emerge victorious.

“Three games in the pouring rain. Three incredible performances. Three Junee wins!” the club said.

It also paid tribute to the players, coaches and managers, as well as the families and supporters who braved the conditions to cheer the teams on.

“You certainly made sure Wagga knew Junee was there!”

The clean sweep ensures all three teams remain in contention as Junee’s impressive 2026 finals campaign rolls on.