Downlands defeats all comers to take crown

Downlands College secured back-to-back Laura Geitz Shield victories in style at the weekend.

The junior First VII went through the group stages of the Darling Downs regional competition undefeated, before defeating Fairholme College 14-4 in the final on Sunday.

Downlands head of netball Wendy McPherson said it continues a hot run of form for the young squad, who is set for a big year ahead.

“We’re getting stronger and stronger each year and the future is looking good for us,” she said.

“We had nine games on Sunday - four pool games and then the pools were split into a top and bottom half.

“I think the team has a lot of natural ability, but first and foremost the girls really got it together as a team.

“If anyone was around during the day and saw them between games, they would’ve seen that they are a team and they really enjoy each other’s company, just as much as they enjoy playing.”

Felicity Connor played much of the tournament at wing defence, and said being able to come together as a team helped them pull off the incredible achievement.

“As a team we did really well, and worked together both on and off court” she said.

“Our coach really helped us as well. We only had three training sessions before the weekend.

“With her help we really bonded as a team throughout the day, and it was just a good experience in winning it.”

The sweep of all nine games didn’t come about through luck, with a staunch defensive unit and fast-paced attack a key to their success.

“Our attacks did really well. When the other team committed a turnover, they would get the ball to our shooters,” Connor said.

“What they did well was adjust to the team they were playing,” McPherson added.

“They were able to overcome any changes that the opposition made and were able to work around that and still be very strong.”

The win starts what the college hopes is a successful 2019 for the developing team.

“The girls play on Wednesday nights in the Toowoomba Netball competition which is a season-long event,” McPherson said.

“We then have the Merici Chevalier Cup against St Ursula’s College at the end of May.

“From that there is the Vicki Wilson Cup. The last few years we’ve made the state finals there, so we are definitely looking towards that.”

Photo: Ian Spence, Downlands College TOP TEAM: Celebrating their Laura Geitz Shield win are Downlands College players (back, from left) manager Norah Vinson, Liana Niki, Abby Postle, Felicity Connor, Makayla Cubby, Renee Cubby, Molly McPherson, Jess Lawless, (front, from left) Molly Gore, Keziah Mayers, Lauren Fraser and coach Tabitha Allen.