Where are the superlatives to describe the achievements of the Greenhouse Tavern Suns State League women is season 2014?

A near faultless regular season which saw them finish the regular season with a 12 win one loss record and a for-and-against record that left no doubt they were the best performing team in the league, two players in the top 5 shooters in the league and then a finals campaign that had the hearts thumping with a character building come-from-behind victory in over-time with 2 key playmakers watching from the sidelines!

To make the Grand Final on Sunday, the Suns had to overcome their nemesis Wagga Wagga Blaze on Saturday 88 to 75, on the back of a 33 point game from Ashley Buis, 15 points from Siarn Woods and a 13 point contribution from Laura Bamford.

The win was to prove costly for the Suns because inspirational captain Bonnie Kuchel suffered a broken hand before half time and despite playing on, was not able
to particpate in the Grand Final. In a true display of character, Kuchel, broken hand ignored, still manage to lead all players in the rebound count, pulling down 12 for the game.

Sunday's Grand final was a true test of character. Captain Kuchel could only watch from the sidelines and offensive forward Buis, despite a breakout game in the semi-final was low on energy after a bout with the flu during the previous week.

Team Coach Connie Woods, was no doubt pleased to get over the top of the Wagga Blaze, as 2 years ago they were the team which prevented a Suns Championship repeat after their first win in 2011.

However she was understandably nervous going into the last game of the season and her caution was well founded.

Although the Suns lead at quarter time (21 to 16) and were still in front at half time (34 to 31) the fact that the Newcastle Hunters outpointed them 15 to 13 in the second period was a sign of things to come.

The Hunter's scoring advantage was even stronger during the third period (24 Coffs Newcastle 28) and going into the last period the Suns were on the wrong end of 59 to 58 scoreline.

There were several lead changes in the fourth period, but when the Hunters went ahead 66 to the Suns' 61, there was a feeling that perhaps the game was getting away from Coffs Harbour.

Our Suns girls were in catch-up mode most of the quarter, trying to pare back a lead which at one stage stretched to 6 points.

A three point basket to Siarn Woods from an Ashely Buis assist and then another 2 pointer from Woods, all with less than a minute to go gave the Suns a chance to redeem themselves as the game went into overtime 75 points apiece.

The Suns knew, that as well as playing without captain Kuchel, they would need to win their 2014 season without Laura Bamford, who fouled out in the last minute of the fourth period.

Baskets to Emily Malouf, Siarn Woods and Ashely Buis in the extra period, made sure the Suns kept their nose in front, with Kate Harland adding to the score from the free throw line.

In the dying minute of the game both Siarn and Ashley went to the "charity stripe" to make a contribution to the 86 to 82 final scoreline.

Congratulations to the Greenhouse Tavern State League Suns women on winning their third State League Flag in four years.

The good news did not end there!
Connie Woods was named Coach of the Year.
Kate Harland was named defensive player of the final.
Siarn Woods was named MVP of the final.
Emily Malouf was named the Rookie of the Year across the whole State.
Ashely Buis was recognised as the highest point scorer in the league and she and Laura Bamford were named in the competition All Star Five.

Finally Ashely Buis was named as the League's MVP - all proof that the Greenhouse Tavern had an outstanding year and one which will probably go down in the Association's history books as perhaps our greatest ever achievement!
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