The QUT Wildcats reflecting on monumental victory in the Sapphire Series netball grand final

The QUT Wildcats were reflecting on a monumental victory in the Sapphire Series netball grand final, with the side capturing the historic first title in the inaugural season of the competition.

The QUT Wildcats were reflecting on a monumental victory in the Sapphire Series netball grand final, with the side capturing the historic first title in the inaugural season of the competition.

Danielle Taylor won player of the match as QUT Wildcats prevailed 60-49 in what official Maxine Holzberger described as a “nailbiter’’.

“I cannot even begin to describe how fantastic it was,’’ she said.

Cougars led initially, but the Paula Stuart-coached QUT Wildcats kept coming back at them.

“We never once backed off.’’

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Halfway through the third quarter, QUT Wildcats took charge and “their resilience was commendable’’ as they a slowly wore down the Cougars.

Cougars coach Liz White said her side was not able to implement what had made them successful during the season.

Action from the QUT Wildcats and North Brisbane Cougars Sapphire Series grand final. PIC: Emlyn Jones Photography.

“I think on the night the better team won,’’ she said.

“We gave it a good shot but it just didn’t happen for us in the second half of the game.

“We didn’t get turn overs and in attack we made some silly mistakes and that was our season.

“We weren’t good enough.’’

QUT Wildcats mid-courters Keisha Grant and Leesa Mimi were unstoppable and worked so hard to keep that ball alive.

“The defenders dropped back into a box defence and I would say they mastered it.

“Cougars just could not break through with ease. They had to work so hard for every goal.’’

Complementing the mid-court effort and the defence were the QUT Wildcats shooters.

Aleesha Adams-Te Haara was a tower of strength and Annie Lawrie and Stephanie Bairstow were amazing too,’’ Holzberger said.

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Holzberger thanked the supporters who produced an electric atmosphere. “It was so exciting.

“There were spectators all dress in Blue and Red for QUT Wildcats and the atmosphere was electric.’’

She also thanked team sponsors ASCC and QUT.

“And to say the Brisbane South Netball Region is proud would be an understatement.’’

Asked what was the key to Wildcats success this season, Holzberger said.

Action from the QUT Wildcats and North Brisbane Cougars Sapphire Series grand final. PIC: Emlyn Jones Photography.

“This year we have a whole new culture in the region. The committee took 2018 to overhaul and uplift the attitude and agenda for netball in the region and for the licence application.

She said the combined knowledge of head coach Stuart and assistant coach Hilary Collins-Manders worked wonders.

“Their combined knowledge together has bought such a wealth of experience and skill development to the region that moving forward there will be amazing things available for the netballers to come,’’ she said.

She said while the top side won, depth played an important role in Wildcats’ success.

“We host QUT Wildcat Cubs programs, both junior and senior,’’ Holzberger said.

“This is the building blocks of the next generation of netballers.

“Both club and elite netballers.

“The whole culture we want to share is that every player deserves a chance to play and be their best.

“Players should have fun and be given chances to grow and develop.

Playing netball (or any sport) helps people in mores ways then just on the court. By being involved in community environments teaches us many life skills.’’

She also heaped praise on leader Hulita Veve.

Northern Rays Zoe McIntyre jumps to intercept the ball from Brisbane South Wildcat's Hulita Veve earlier in the season

“Besides being an amazing player she brings to the teams and the region a quiet and confident disposition that always has time and interest for all those around her. Hulita would easily be the reason for the “QUT family” and the reason the players all give their best for each other. Also won MVP for the Hart Sapphire Series 2019.’’

She said Lenora Misa was “dependable and an unassuming defender’’ and described Danielle Taylor as a “silent assassin’’.

“Danielle is Lenora’s partner in the defence end. Her ability to step up the momentum and shut down the opposing attackers is a key part of the defence tactics. Never ever lets her team down.’’

Holzberger said Reilley Batcheldore, aged 17, had outstanding shooting success.

“Reilley is an amazing player that has a huge future ahead of her.

Holzberger said Annie Lawrie was also a thrilling prospect.’’