The 15 and under team started their champion run at the end of last year after taking out the title of Lower North Coast Champions – putting Wauchope firmly in their place.

With the new year came a renewed energy to climb to the top, leaving northern teams withering in their mighty shadow; the Macksville girls outplayed Toormina to take out the Mid North Coast Knockout 60-20, and left Kingscliffe High red in the cheeks after a bruising 63-21 final scoreline in the North Coast final.

The young team were all set to make the May pilgrimage down to Woolongong after effortlessly securing their place in the prestigious state competition. 

It was a harrowing two-day competition, with the girls battling out a total of 15 games.

By the last game, they realised they needed to peel off 30 goals against Orange to beat them to the number five ranking –  a target they achieved with grace and poise.

“We were competing against selective sports high schools, and we did a goddamn good job for such a tiny town,” coach Helen Black said.

“It’s hard to beat teams that come from bigger and more experienced high schools. We were never going to place in the top three, but getting in the top eight is just fantastic. They were outstanding.

“They just knew how to knuckle down and play hard when they needed to. It’s such a shame they couldn’t see themselves.

“But I dare say we’ll be in the running at the moment for best sports team of the year.”

Congratulations to Gemma Summerville, Willaarah Walker, Tamsyn Spear, Brin Trisley, Abby Baxter, Arrin Stirrat-Black, Bree Ferguson, Lily Bartlett and Lillah Hoffman for an incredible season and an enviable result.

The team would like to thank the parents who provided transport and made for an amazing cheersquad. And a special mention goes to Zara Simon who volunteered her services as umpire, officiating an incredible 16 games over the two days.