Most of the Huskies have been playing netball since they were eight or nine years old in the Netta competition. They have played together brilliantly as a team all season. They lost only one game before becoming minor premiers then confirmed that form with a convincing win in the grand final on Saturday.

The Huskies revved themselves up for the big match by performing their team song for the first time. Both teams started well and at quarter time the scores were locked together at 6 all. Huskies began to settle as a result of some strategic changes in the second quarter with Casey and Shaye coming into defence and Hannah moving into centre, with Laura in WA. By half-time Huskies led 14-10. Maddie was a standout for Huskies showing awesome shooting and rebounding skills.

Huskies used more fresh players in the third quarter with Tara coming into GS, Maddie going to centre and Hannah into GK with Sam and Casey completing the wall of defence.

The new combination saw the girls really hit their straps and extend their lead to 20-13 at three-quarter time with the Gawjuz Girls unable to come up with any answers to the Huskies game plan.

The fourth quarter saw Ashleigh finally start to breathe and get back into her usual shooting rhythm with the help of Maddie back in GS and those stretchy arms. The quarter saw Sarah and Shaye come back on into defence to provide a turbo boost which helped the team power home to a 32-21 victory.

The Huskies player’s player points went to Maddie, Hannah and Ashleigh (2 points) and Sarah (1 point). The coaches award was too hard to call as everyone totally deserved it!

The team was presented with their 2008 premiers jackets and the premiership trophy after the match. The team also picked up a trophy for the Intermediate Goal Point Average for all junior teams. Well done girls – what a brilliant season!

Congratulations also go to Ashleigh Stevens who was named player of the grand final by the Bathurst Association for the 14 years game.

As coach, I thank each and every girl in the team. You all gave 100 per cent in every training session and game.

It has been an absolute pleasure to coach the girls and they thoroughly deserve their premiership title. Thank you also to the team sponsor, Highland Pine Products and to our many supporters, parents, friends and families. Huskies rule!

Linda Grady – HPP Huskies coach.