Sport
10 September, 2024
Buffs Bandits claim back-to-back MIANA titles
Is this the beginning of a netball dynasty?
Buffs Bandits are the queens of the Mount Isa Amateur Netball Association after their perfect season was completed with a 56-41 win over HFG Tigers in Saturday’s division one grand final.
It was the side’s second straight grand final win and was the icing on the cake required to complete the dynasty after dropping the 2022 grand final after losing just one game that season.
In fact, that 2022 grand final loss was the only match the Buffs have dropped since July that year, making it more than two seasons since losing a game, although they did draw a match last year.
Midcourter Phoebe Ryder said it was a relief to get the win, despite entering the match as favourites.
“There were a lot of nerves,” she told North West Weekly.
“The whole week leading up to (the grand final); everyone was on edge – even though we went through the season undefeated, it wasn’t like we didn’t have a few scares along the way.”
Ryder, who herself was carrying an ankle injury, said several of the Buffs players were struggling with ailments.
“I wasn’t planning on playing but the ankle held up,” she said.
“I started three of the four quarters and then swapped out. Jess Thompson, our coach, and Stevie Brown, who was the player of the final, were able to come into the centre and play a role.
“We are quite lucky to have a versatile squad.”
Buffs led the Tigers 18-11 at the first change and didn’t give their rivals a sniff.
By half-time they led by 13 goals and maintained that buffer until the final whistle to record a 15-goal win.
One of the highlights of the grand final weekend was the junior division one final between Te Whanau Rhinos and Saints Mitech.
Just one goal seperated the two sides at the final break and the teams went goal for goal in the last quarter, only for the Rhinos to get the upper hand at the final whistle to record a 32-30 win.