Extra-time heroes

The Hills Bulls under-9s emerge as state champions.

The Hills Bulls U9s girls. Picture: Supplied

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The Hills Bulls under-9 girls produced a courageous effort in the knockout stages to win the 2017 NSW State Oztag title at Coffs Harbour.

The team went through the three-day competition undefeated, staying focused despite the stifling heat.

In the semi-finals, the Bulls and Central Coast were drawn 2-2 at full time.

The drop off was enforced — where only five players are on the field — with the Hills girls scoring the first point to snatch a 3-2 win.

The final against Nepean proved tougher with the Bulls snatching a dramatic equaliser on the buzzer to make it 3-3 and pushing the game into a drop off.

The Hills were on the ball in the drop off scoring first to be crowned champions.

For head coach Adam Rowe and his assistant Alison Gwynne, the victory was extra special because of theextra time heroics.

“From the very first training session, I knew these girls had that extra special something for Oztag,” Rowe said. “To win a State cup, undefeated, after a hard fought grand final in extra time, is simply amazing.”

The U9s were one of three Bulls girls teams to emerge as champions from the NSW Oztag State Cup.

The Bulls fielded a team in every age division, with 12 sides making the finals play-offs and the U10s and U12s also winning their divisions.

The U9s were nominated for the Local Sports Star Junior Sports Star Team award.

• The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone. There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.

Nominate a star here