Contax has secured the 3-peat following a late charge in a classic clash with Garville on grand final night of The Hospital Research Foundation Group Premier League.
Tensions were high as these two long-standing rivals met on the big stage for the first time since 2018.
With decades of history between them, the stands were packed with Blues and Greys fans and past players from both sides.
The opening quarter went largely goal for goal until Garville took a late break to secure a two-goal lead at the first break.
Garville’s defense maintained the pressure on the Blues’ front line in the second quarter and won the quarter again by one to take a three-goal lead into half-time, 30-27.
The reigning premiers turned it on in the third quarter, upping the intensity to win the quarter by four goals and level the scores at three-quarter time, 43-43.
Contax continued to build on the momentum they ended the third term with as the fourth commenced.
By the halfway point of the final quarter, the Blues were up by four goals and the pressure was on the Greys to pull it back.
With three minutes to go, Garville were able to secure a crucial turnover to bring the scoreline back to three but a critical intercept from Jazz McKay gave the Blues their four-goal lead back.
At the final siren, the reigning champs defended their title with a seven-goal victory, 58-53.
Contax defender Tabitha Packer was named Most Valuable Player for the match for her performance across wing defence and goal defence.
In the Reserves, Matrics had the hot start, forcing two turnovers from Contax to take a 5-1 lead in the opening 5 minutes.
Contax were quick to fight back and level things by the 10 minute mark and both teams went goal for goal to finish the quarter at 11 apiece.
Pressure rose in the second with both defensive units causing headaches for their opposing attack ends. Neither side gave an inch and we entered the half-time break at 23 all.
The third quarter was a similar tussle until Matrics fought their way to a 3-goal lead in the closing minutes of the quarter.
However, a crucial intercept from Contax allowed them to close the gap to one at three-quarter time.
Momentum switched between the sides for the opening 10 minutes of the final quarter but with five minutes to go, scores were level again at 38-38.
A flurry of long bombs and a crucial offensive rebound from goal attack Emily Laird in the final quarter put the Blues four goals up with two minutes to go.
The Stars threatened to close the gap in the dying moments but were beaten by the clock as the Blues secured the premiership 44-42.
Contax midcourter Alicia Harford was named Most Valuable Player after playing across centre and wing attack.
