THE Best Little Town on the Downs, Allora, came in for special mention from Netball Queensland president Jan Maggacis at the Firebirds presentation dinner at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre on Thursday night.

The dinner had special meaning for the Southern Downs as the Firebirds team which won the ANZ Championships in netball included Allora goal keeper and vice captain Laura Geitz and former Warwick student Clare McMeniman.

Laura’s mother Juanita Geitz said Mrs Maggacis singled out two players when talking about the Firebirds’ journey from the bottom half of the table to an ANZ Championship victory.

“Jan talked about finding Romelda Aiken at the World Cup in New Zealand and Laura Geitz in Allora,” Mrs Geitz said yesterday.

“They know where Allora is now.”

Mrs Geitz said it meant a lot to her younger daughter to win the Firebirds players’ player award.

“As we walked away from the dinner, Laura said it was the best night they had attended,” Mrs Geitz said.

“With our bunch of girls, they are all mates and it really shows through.

“I said to (husband) Ross that the girls are happy with their lives outside of netball and it shows on court.”

At one stage on the night, Laura and (captain) Lauren Nourse sat on stools on stage and were interviewed by Dan Ryan of Channel 10.”

While Laura’s parents did not take notes about the latest in fashion from the Firebirds night, they said black was the most popular colour.

Mr Geitz said he enjoyed talking with other parents at the dinner.

“Many of the parents enjoyed sport themselves,” he said.

As for the Allora family, Mr Geitz enjoyed his rugby league, soccer, tennis and squash while Mrs Geitz played squash and netball in Ipswich.