The future of Central Highlands netball was on full display when the league’s youngest players came together for the 2026 Under-12 Lightning Premiership at Ballan Recreation Reserve on Sunday 17 May.

The annual event brought clubs from across the Central Highlands Netball League together for a fast-moving day of round-robin matches and finals. From the opening centre pass, the courts were filled with enthusiasm, encouragement and plenty of impressive junior netball.

For many of the young players, the Lightning Premiership provided an opportunity to experience tournament netball, play several matches in one day and represent their clubs alongside friends and teammates.

Beaufort Produces an Outstanding Performance

Beaufort enjoyed a brilliant start to the tournament, finishing on top of its pool and the combined ladder following an unbeaten run through the qualifying matches.

The team opened with a 17–0 win over Creswick before recording victories against Daylesford, Gordon, Learmonth and Clunes. The impressive results reflected Beaufort’s teamwork across the court, but the finals would provide a much greater test.

Ballan defeated Beaufort 5–2 in the qualifying final, while Carngham and Clunes progressed through their elimination matches against Waubra and Buninyong.

Ballan then defeated Clunes 4–1 in the first preliminary final. Beaufort responded strongly to its earlier setback, producing an impressive 14–3 victory over Carngham to secure another opportunity against Ballan in the Grand Final.

A Grand Final to Remember

The premiership decider delivered an exciting finish worthy of a fantastic day of junior netball.

Beaufort and Ballan could not be separated at the end of regular time, with the scores locked at 6–6. The players then returned to the court for extra time, where Beaufort found another level and secured a memorable 10–8 victory.

The win completed a remarkable turnaround for Beaufort after losing to Ballan earlier in the finals and secured the club’s second consecutive Lightning Premiership title. The players demonstrated determination, composure and belief when the pressure was at its highest.

Ballan should also be extremely proud of its tournament. The team played excellent netball throughout the day and pushed the eventual premiers until the final moments of extra time.

A Celebration of Junior Netball

While Beaufort lifted the premiership trophy, the day was about much more than one result.

Every team contributed to a positive and entertaining competition. Players supported their teammates, accepted new challenges and continued developing the skills and confidence that will help shape the future of netball throughout the Central Highlands region.

Congratulations to Beaufort on winning the 2026 Under-12 Lightning Premiership and to Ballan on an outstanding runner-up performance.

The Central Highlands Netball League also congratulates every young player who took part and thanks the coaches, team managers, umpires, volunteers, families and supporters who helped make the tournament such a successful celebration of community netball.

The enthusiasm, teamwork and sportsmanship shown throughout the day demonstrated that the future of Central Highlands netball is in very good hands.