14/15s A Grand Final: A Match for the Ages

What a game! If you were lucky enough to be at the court for the 14/15s A Grand Final, you witnessed an absolute classic. In a match that showcased some of the best junior talent in Orange, Hawks Weekes Mechanical and OHS Junior A battled it out in a wonderfully competitive and fair-spirited game, with the Hawks ultimately winning by the narrowest of margins, 41-40.

A Tightly Contested Start

Right from the first whistle, you could feel the energy. Both teams started smoothly, trading goals and looking incredibly composed. OHS was the first to settle, getting a roll on to lead 7-4thanks to some crisp feeds from Issie Kiely. But Hawks had other ideas. Two thrilling intercepts by Emma Tremble, some excellent circle feeds from Clancy Simmons, and the composed shooting of Charlotte Spruce saw Hawks fight back to finish the first quarter with a slim 12-11lead. We all knew right then that this was going to be a game for the ages.

Hawks Pull Away

The second quarter was a feast of exhilarating intercepts from both sides. Meakah Chippendale for OHS was a standout, especially in the defensive circle, while Hawks' Emma Tremble and Charli Garlick took some absolute screamers. Hawks began to find their flow, with fantastic circle feeds and court play from Clancy. By halftime, Hawks had extended their lead to 24-18, but while they looked comfortable, you could feel that Junior A was still in the game.

OHS Fights Back

And oh my, were they ever! OHS came out in the third quarter with a new level of determination, proving just how they’ve improved this season. They rattled Hawks and quickly drew closer, with the scoreline reaching 25-22. Hawks were unsettled, and the OHS shooting circle was on fire. Milla O’Reilly stood tall and strong, while her versatile partner, Abi Roberts, had an exceptional game, getting front position unchallenged on numerous occasions. The momentum had completely shifted.

The Grandstand Finish

Going into the final quarter, Hawks held a slight lead at 31-28. The crowd was thumping, and the energy electric. A couple of quick turnovers and some steady shooting from Abi brought the score to an incredible 31-all! The OHS contingent in the stands erupted, and their team began playing out of their skins.

But Hawks settled. Macy Prevett found her shooting range and Charlotte Spruce continued her cool command of the post, helping the Hawks regain their flow. Of course, just when it looked like they had it, OHS came roaring back through the brilliant Meakah, and it was 38-all!

Both teams battled fiercely to the very end. The final whistle blew with the scoreboard at 41-40to Hawks, and a packed house blown away by what they'd just witnessed.

Congratulations to both teams on an incredible grand final performance and an outstanding season!

Special thanks to Tash Rudd for her great photos