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A 'Festival of the hoop' at Lurr'a

31 October 2014

Gupanga GBR-A (in white) compete against eventual runners-up, the Maningrida A-team, in the qualifying rounds. Gupanga GBR-A (in white) compete against eventual runners-up, the Maningrida A-team, in the qualifying rounds.

THE Women’s GBR-A team from Gupanga has won the grand final of the Lurr’a Festival Basketball Competition, beating the Maningrida-A team in the final 14-10. Both the GBR-A and B teams performed strongly in the competition under the coaching direction of James Woods. 

The teams hail from the small community of Gupanga, on the Blyth River 30km east of Maningrida. A total of six teams entered the Women’s Basketball Competition ,held on Saturday 18 October, including representative teams from Warruwi (Goulburn Island) and Barunga. Competitors played all games in good spirit, with plenty of kids taking to the court between the games to practise their skills.

In the semis, Maningrida-A beat a strong visiting squad from Goulburn 36-14 to go through to the final. With so many sides, the games continued until just after dark, when the finalists shifted from the undercover court to play under lights at the court next door. There, the Maningrida-A girls fought back hard from 3-8 down at half-time against GBR-A, getting to within just 4 points at the final whistle. 

Trophies and medals were awarded to the winning teams onstage at the Maningrida  Lurr'a Festival in front of a large crowd later that night. West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) staff members Gerard Watson, Natasha Bond and Sheena Numungara assisted with running the carnival, while WARC provided financial support including trophies for the winners and runners-up.

Maningrida-B go for goal in their game against Marnba. Maningrida-B go for goal in their game against Marnba.

Maningrida-A players in action. Maningrida-A players in action.

GBR-A centre Beth Ali in action. GBR-A centre Beth Ali in action.

The Maningrida women's teams with coach Sheena Numumgurra at the basketball comp. The Maningrida women's teams with coach Sheena Numumgurra at the basketball comp.

The Gupanga GBR-A and B teams with coach James Woods. The Gupanga GBR-A and B teams with coach James Woods.

Runners-up Maningrida-A receive their trophy and awards on the Lurr'a Festival stage. Runners-up Maningrida-A receive their trophy and awards on the Lurr'a Festival stage.

Alice Eather announces the Maningrida Women's Basketball Competition winners, Gupanga GBR-A, who receive their trophy and awards on the Lurr'a Festival stage. Alice Eather announces the Maningrida Women's Basketball Competition winners, Gupanga GBR-A, who receive their trophy and awards on the Lurr'a Festival stage.