Win at home fitting result for captain

WENDY Frew could not have asked for a more fitting home farewell.

In the final home game of a 16year career, the Southern Steel captain’s resolve was clearly visible, and so was that of her team.

The 5349 win over the Mainland Tactix in Invercargill gives the wing defence one more ANZ Premiership game — the final against the Central Pulse in Palmerston North on Sunday.

Frew had been thrilled to get the win and admitted she had to work hard to keep her emotions in check.

‘‘I was definitely trying to hold back the tears a few times there but it’s important you don’t get too caught up in the moment.

‘‘I’m pretty sure I controlled that, but obviously there’s a lot of emotion around it all.

‘‘I’m just really honoured to lead these girls and get the opportunity to play in the final on Sunday.’’

While the team’s performance was ‘‘a bit scatchy’’, the most important thing in a playoff match was finding a way to win, Frew said.

It did just that and it took a huge fourth quarter, in which it led by six and then had to withstand one final comeback from a determined visiting team.

‘‘That last quarter was pretty intense,’’ she said.

‘‘We got up by five or six and probably should have kept that lead.

‘‘The last two or three minutes we kept our cool. We were lucky we had some experienced players who knew what to do and how to control it, so pretty excited about that.’’

Afterwards Frew was presented with the keys to Invercargill by Mayor Tim Shadbolt, to huge applause from the crowd.

‘‘I’m pretty honoured to receive that.

‘‘I’ve just enjoyed the ride and it’s been a remarkable 16 years.

‘‘I can’t wait for Sunday and after that I’ll get a bit emotional and look back at the time.’’