GILROY SANTA MARIA COLLEGE CLAIMS MARBELLI CUP THREE-PEAT

Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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Gilroy Santa Maria College has retained the Marbelli Cup for a third consecutive year after defeating Ingham State High School 21-13 in a hard-fought 2026 decider.

Played in front of a strong crowd at Ingham State High School, the final was preceded by a fun warm-up match between the senior boys from both schools, which had the crowd cheering as Ingham claimed a 12-3 victory.

The Marbelli Cup decider then saw both teams battle through a tense opening before Gilroy found its rhythm and pulled away to secure the Cup.

GSMC coach Maddyn White said the team responded strongly after last week’s narrow defeat, using the extra preparation to settle their nerves and execute their game plan in the decider.

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“It was a really good competition this year, so it went into a decider for the first time in a few years,” she said.

“I just gave the girls one job, and that was to convert our centre passes and have fun, and they definitely did that. So I'm very proud of them.”

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White said the team’s defensive pressure had also been a major focus during training.

“We normally train before school in the mornings. We had our last run this morning,” she said.

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“We really focused on pestering, so constantly pestering and not giving them any room to move. Lots of pressure towards the end. That was really good.”

GSMC captain Louise Kaurila said the team had grown throughout the three-game series, with the final victory made even more rewarding after the nerves of the earlier matches.

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“The first game we were kind of finding our footing,” she said.

“Second game lost it a little bit, but third game we came back and had less nerves because of our training this morning. Miss White was really encouraging, which always helps.”

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Kaurila praised Ingham High’s performance, particularly its defensive strength.

“They were a very strong defensive side,” she said.

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“We definitely had to work in our training sessions how to manage getting from the defence end down to attack end because they know all the tactics. They’re very good at defensive gameplay and watching where we go.”

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Kaurila and fellow Year 12 student Ruby were sent off in style, with the Cup win capping a season that also saw GSMC finish runners-up at the statewide QISSN Carnival.

Kenzi of Gilroy Santa Maria College and Ella of Ingham State High School were named Players of the Series and MVP's after standout campaigns across all three matches. Both players were recognised for their consistent performances, sportsmanship and contribution to their teams throughout the Marbelli Cup series.

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Ingham High, despite the defeat, praised its players for their heart, determination and composure throughout the series, while thanking the GSMC team for a competitive series played in great spirit.

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The Marbelli Cup continues to honour the legacy of Mrs Marbelli and her contribution to netball in the Herbert River region.

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