DEFENDING premiers Mater Dei Catholic College have cemented the final and foremost victory of the season, taking home the Tracey Gunson Shield on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kildare Catholic College played well, strategic in the middle of the court, however at the end of the game the score was settled at 30-22 in Mater Dei’s favour.
Mater Dei captain Gabe McRae admitted it was a nerve-wracking game.
“It was close all game, every quarter they kept coming back, so it was a bit scary,” McRae said.
“It was just a matter of getting in, coming sharp, and driving for the ball.”
Kildare were worthy challengers, providing a thrilling match for the dozens of spectators who lined the court at the Wagga Equex Centre.
Mater Dei forged an early lead and finished the first term with confidence just four points ahead of Kildare.
Mater Dei goal shooter Lana Duffy was brilliant off the rebound, ensuring that if she did not initially score, she sealed the deal the second time around.
A couple of flighty judgement calls in the first term led to errors and the Mater Dei girls encouraged one another during the break to settle down, and not to panic.
Mater Dei girls had the height advantage, forcing the Kildare girls to run into space and play as strategically as possible.
Persistent efforts from Mater Dei goal keeper Bailee Carroll and goal defence Ella Finemore threatened Kildare’s attack and minimised their ability to capitalise, particularly in the third term.
Kildare certainly narrowed the gap on Mater Dei who entered the game as clear favourites, having swept through the competition undefeated, and beating Kildare 35-20 in a preliminary round.
“In the round games we had a thrashing by Mater Dei, so it was really good to see the girls stick to the game plan, and losing by eight isn’t too bad considering,” Kildare coach Jackie Byrne said.
Byrne praised Kildare centre Anna Ryan for her outstanding ability on display.
Ryan took a great share of the possession, was swift and decisive, moved to the thick of the action and ensured the ball ended in her team’s stewardship after any exchange.
Earlier in the afternoon, in another Catholic college showdown, Kildare came up trumps over Mater Dei.
The Year 7 and 8 girls competition was even tighter than the opens, with Kildare winning 29-24.
