Sport
17 July, 2026
Cup unites clubs
WHILE their football counterparts may have gone down to Warrnambool last weekend, Koroit’s netballers dominated the courts, enabling the club to once again retain the MDA Warrnambool Cassign Cup.
The cup, which has been hotly contested by the two clubs since its inception seven years ago, is presented annually to the club that wins the most netball and football matches when the Blues and Saints meet during the Hampden League season.
It also carries with it bragging rights for 12 months – something the Blues are yet to taste.
But even more important than the silverware is the meaning behind its inception and its continuation.
The Cassign Cup is all about spreading awareness of muscular dystrophy and the plight of thousands of sufferers far and wide.
The brainchild of the Gillin Boys Foundation, the cup brings together two local clubs eager to unite for such an important cause.
“This game is much bigger than just adding a trophy to the cabinet,” foundation co-founder Christopher Gillin said.
“It’s all about spreading awareness of muscular dystrophy and it’s so great to see two wonderful clubs joining forces to provide hope to thousands of people all around the world suffering from MD.”
A keen Warrnambool supporter, Christopher said he was absolutely thrilled to see the Blues take the points in both the seniors and reserves football matches at Reid last Saturday, but the Saints’ netballers were simply too strong for the home sides.
“I was really happy with how Saturday went,” he said.
“I had a chat with our chairman after the senior game and we both felt there was an even bigger buy-in from both clubs this year; the support really went to another level.
“It was totally worth sitting in the cold and rain beside the coach to watch the senior footballers finally have a win over Koroit in a Cassign Cup match.
“We’re very grateful to both clubs for their continued commitment to this day and to helping so many people suffering from MD. It’s fantastic to see these clubs joining forces in solidarity with the Gillin Boys Foundation to fight for a world without Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.”
Last Saturday’s round 12 matches at Reid Oval saw Warrnambool defeat Koroit in the senior football by 40 points while Warrnambool’s reserves celebrated a massive 111-point victory over the Saints.
The tables were turned on the netball courts, with the Saints winning all senior and junior matches on the day to claim the cup.
