IPSWICH has added another piece of silverware to the sporting achievement cabinet.
The TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets claimed an historic HART Sapphire Series premiership, defeating the Gold Coast Titans in last Sunday’s grand final at Nissan Arena.
Jets coach Paula Stuart, in her sixth consecutive HSS or Ruby Series decider, steered the club to its first title but an impressive Titans side in their maiden premiership tilt made them work hard.
Multiple touches by goalkeeper Lily Gribble and accurate shots by substitute goal attack Lily Cubby kept the Jets in the game throughout the first quarter, closing a five-point Titans’ lead to within one (16-15) at the first break.
Defensive pressure from both teams lifted a gear in the second quarter, which saw the introduction of young Titans goal shooter Roxanne Rhind to offset the running play of teammate and goal attack Josie Bingham.
It was only a couple of late attempts at goal by the Jets which saw the minor premiers head into half-time with a 29-26 lead.
Desperate cover by Titans defender Jess Milne couldn’t match the might of a swarm of Jets desperate to extend their nine-point margin with one last super shot time to play, yet Stuart refused to enjoy the moment too early.
“My manager and assistant coach grabbed me at about 2:20 and I said, ‘No, no, no, do not celebrate yet, you’ve seen what happens with the super shot’,” Stuart said.
“It was about 40 seconds to go when I went, ‘Yeah, we’ve done it. We’ve done it’.”
Stuart said the plan to make the top two on the ladder after regular rounds reflected a determination to go one better this season.
“Two years in a row, losing by one, and to come out and win it this year has been absolutely amazing,” she said. “The girls wanted it so bad. I take my hat off to everyone.”
