Local stars feature in historic win
ALLORA goalkeeper Laura Geitz was outstanding in defence as she led the Queensland Firebirds to a 57-44 victory against the Northern Mystics in yesterday's ANZ Championship grand final in Brisbane.
Taking over the on-court leadership mid-season after a knee injury to captain Lauren Nourse, Geitz was imposing in defence against the Kiwis.
It was a Southern Downs combination in defence in the first half with former Warwick West State School student Clare McMeniman at goal defence and Geitz in her regular position.
McMeniman was given the starting spot ahead of Test defender Amy Steel and had a strong second quarter. At half-time, she was moved to wing defence and Steel came on at goal defence as the Firebirds started to dominate.
The Australian squad for the World Championships in Singapore will be named this week. With Geitz winning a car for Holden Player of the Year and currently in the national squad, she is an automatic selection while McMeniman has boosted her chances of making the squad with a strong season.
While television commentators tipped Geitz or goal attack Natalie Medhurst to win player of the final, no one could argue with the decision to name goal shooter Aiken the best.
Geitz said it was a tough game, particularly the first half.
“We were able to deliver when it mattered most,” she said.
