The FC Johns Cup competition offers the top standard of netball in the Central Highlands Region, and the seven teams involved are exposing their players to the best netball opportunities in the area.

The Laffey Shield provides the next level and is an excellent springboard for talented young players.

Experienced veterans playing Laffey Shield can teach talented juniors much about the game.

The Shield finalists are far from clear, with Dela Gold, the strong 17-under group; Dela Force season one premiers; Battlers Green, Battlers Blue and Dela Glory all looking the goods at times.

Brown Hill Black, Battlers White and Eureka Klassics are all capable of improving their positions, but are further down the premiership ladder.

Most clubs have elevated their top juniors to the two top grades in Thursday's premier competition and are seeing the results of confidence on the court each week.

The Ballarat Junior Development Squads went to Corio on Sunday to compete in the annual tournament against 13-under and 15-under metropolitan and country teams.

Ballarat's 15-under finished third overall and faced the strong Diamond Creek squad in the knock out final.

Ballarat had lost to Diamond Creek earlier in the day by just three goals and stuck to the task in the final, but were overcome in a burst which left them trailing by four goals at half time.

The Diamond Creek combination comprised four Victorian Schoolgirl representatives.

The Kardinia Netball Association team won the title _ a team Ballarat had beaten by one goal during the rounds.

The eight players representing Ballarat were a credit to our Association and gave away centimetres in height but were able to show their skills and commitment with strong play.

The team: Elise Stapleton, Meg Herrmann, Amy Quinney, Stacey Jones, Stacey McCartin, Sam Lorensini, Sam Cass and Anna Herrmann.

The 13-under lost only two games going into their finals and finished second overall.

They played strong netball and the wind made the day a real challenge for goalers, but the Ballarat eight were physically strong and made good use of the ball with teamwork flowing.

Ballarat's 13s won their semi-final convincingly and went into the grand final with some confidence.

Kardinia were too strong in the final match, however.

Ballarat was well represented by Chelsea Burns, Emma Quayle, Elizabeth Carson, Ashlea Bigham, Steff Ford, Laura Allan, Stephanie Burns and Rachael McIntosh. Hailey Allan was the reserve and the team was coached by Lee Jones.

The Junior Development Squads are reliant on the good-will of our volunteer coaches and umpires. Thanks to Nicki Purves and Kirsty Dixon for their contribution in Corio, and to Marian Waldron and Kerryn Boddington for their day in Werribee. The Junior Summer Competition commences on Thursday October 24 for 11-under, 13-under, 15-under and 17-under junior girls. 11-under will play at 4pm, 13s at 4:45pm and 15s and 17s at 5:30pm or 6:20pm.

Clubs wishing to enter must contact Jo Dash on 0418 625 800 to enter teams before Thursday October 17.