The Moree representative netball team have fallen agonisingly short in the grand final of the Northern NSW Regional League Northern Inland Division Two competition, going down by just two goals against Narrabri in a 19-17 loss over the weekend.
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Following strong performances in the round robin in Narrabri on April 27 to 28, Moree were ranked second in division two and qualified for the finals to be played in Tamworth on Sunday.
They went up against Narrabri - who were ranked first in division two - in the major semi-final and came away with a 25-24 win in a thrilling contest to move straight through to the grand final.
"That was a very close, anxiety driven game. There was a lot of nail biting in that game," team manager Toni Dakis said.
After that win, Moree had a break while Narrabri played off against Tamworth for a place in the grand final, with Narrabri making it through and setting up an exciting rematch.
Moree and Narrabri went goal for goal in the final in an incredibly even match, but Narrabri were able to get away right at the end for a 19-17 win.
Dakis said it was another case of nail-biting in the final, but she was very proud of the team's efforts and the encouragement the players showed to each other.
"We had a bit of a cheer squad so it was really good to hear everyone cheering and encouraging both teams so it was excellent" she said.
"It was a real team effort. Everyone was encouraging each other on the court and from the bench. We had three players on the bench at any one time.
"I don't want to pick anyone out because they all played their part to get where we were."
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Dakis also gave a lot of credit to their coach Jamie Cook who has put in a lot of effort with the team.
"He's been working with the girls since mid-January on their fitness and that really showed as well," Dakis said.
"There was some commentary back at Narrabri when we were in the round robin competition that Jamie does a really good job with the girls and he's always really kind and encouraging from the sideline. That was really good to hear from the umpires."
She also thanked assistant coach Tom Dakis, all the players for travelling to Tamworth to play as well as the Tamworth Netball Association for hosting the finals.