THE Riverina Anglican College's netballers booked a special place in the school's history books by winning their first Tracey Gunson Shield with a thrilling final win against Kildare Catholic College on Tuesday.
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Down by a goal at three quarter time, TRAC stepped up their defensive pressure to win 23-21, avenging their eight-goal defeat in last year's decider against Kildare.
Looking for a third straight title, Kildare capitalised on their chances early to take a 13-10 half-time lead, before TRAC closed to within a goal at the final change.
TRAC took a two-goal lead midway through the last quarter, and later trailed by a goal, but maintained their composure to seal their maiden crown.
TRAC coach Tiffany Lashbrook said the team was confident before the campaign they could get the job done after making their first final in nine years in 2020.
The school's footballers, who will take on Mater Dei in Wednesday night's Carroll Cup decider, cheered raucously in the stands down the stretch to help the netballers hold on.
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"They're so excited they were finally given the opportunity (to win it)," Lashbrook said.
"I personally played Tracey Gunson and we never won, and I'm proud I'm able to be a part of it again.
"(In the last quarter) we had to play with heart and keep control of the ball, and our defence came through. They were so strong and so tough, and gave our shooters enough chances.
"Last year they came close and didn't quite pull through, we knew it was our shot and we took it."
It was fitting a defender, TRAC goal defence Ruby Gillard, was named player of the match.
"It was pretty intense, everyone was a bit on edge and we were nervous. But we needed to dig deep to get those turnovers, and that really helped," he said.
"It's pretty prestigious because we haven't won one. Everybody wasn't expecting us to win."
Kildare coach Jackie Byrne said TRAC's intensity was the difference.
"I think their defensive pressure was amazing and they shut down our attacking end and made it difficult to get the ball down," she said.
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