Wagga Blaze’s second ever championship banner is just two wins away and coach Peter O’Leary is raring to go.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s been a turbulent year at times for the women’s side littered with big wins on the road, injuries and inexplicable losses at home.
Yet after finishing the regular season in third with a 7-5 record, O’Leary’s charges have a rare shot at making history in this weekend’s Waratah League finals.
The second-year coach has been rock solid through it all, keeping the faith with his honest assessments and love of the game.
Now, he’s just 72 hours away from Wagga’s first title since 2016.
“We’ve trained well over the past two weeks and we’re hoping to have everyone on board for the finals,” O’Leary said.
“Summa Stephens had her splint taken off and she’s been shooting with the girls and testing it out.
“She’s a little tentative with it and we’re doing everything to protect that hand until the weekend.”
Even without a fully fit Stephens on deck, O’Leary will fancy his side’s chances against semi final rivals Maitland, over whom he boasts a 2-0 record in 2018.
“We beat them by 30 or so points last time around and that was on their home court during our big road trip a while back, so we know their roster pretty well and we know what to expect.
Maitland are a good side no question but we can be confident going into the game.
- Blaze coach Peter O'Leary
“They’ve got some gun players and we’ll be keeping an eye on the likes of Shakera Reilly. She’s had a really good season for the Mustangs and she’s a quality player with NSW representative experience.
“Overall, I still think we’ve got the talent and the edge, so it’s just a question of whether we can turn up on the day and deliver.”
Despite their lop-sided record, the Blaze will happily take an underdog tag into Saturday’s must-win clash after stumbling in their final game of the season against Goulburn.
“I still think Maitland are favourites and we’re the underdogs come finals,” O’Leary said.
“It’s a good title for us to have this weekend.”
The wily coach will look to sharpshooting US imports Shakera Barnes and Khiani Clark for an offensive spark against the Mustangs and has plenty of experience with the likes of Waratah League All-Star selection Steph Male in action.
Male was named in the league’s merit side earlier this week and has been a dominant figure in the competition all year despite topping her division’s personal fouls list.
“She’s a leader in the team and a quality player,” O’Leary said.
The winning semi finalist will book a place in Sunday’s grand final against the winner of Coffs Harbour and Shoalhaven.
Wagga and Maitland tip off on Saturday afternoon – finals will be live streamed here.
While you’re with us, did you know that The Daily Advertiser is now offering sports and local events as part of its growing email newsletter service? Our sports email will keep the sports-mad up-to-date with a round-up of all the weekend’s sports action - sign up here.
