SOUTHERN Downs mayor Tracy Dobie has dubbed the success of Queensland Firebirds’ players, and Southern Downs locals, Laura Geitz and Clare McMeniman, ‘simply outstanding’, following yesterday’s historic Firebirds’ win against the Sydney Swifts in the ANZ Championship in Brisbane.
“On behalf of Southern Downs Regional Council I would like to offer Laura, Clare and the Queensland Firebirds team, the warmest of congratulations on their historic back-to-back ANZ Netball Championships victory,” she said.
“What an absolutely fabulous achievement by the Firebirds team in pulling off this historic win, on the back of last year’s triumph.
“Yesterday’s netball competition between Queensland’s Firebirds and NSW’s Swifts was extremely tough, and the finish definitely a nail-biter going into double overtime.
“But the Firebirds dug deep, and under the experienced captaincy of Allora’s, Laura Geitz, the team brought about a ‘swift’ end, with the 69-67 win over the Sydney Swifts.
“I know I can speak for the whole Southern Downs community when I say we are very proud to call Laura and Clare two of our own,” Cr Dobie said.
Southern Downs Events, Sport and Recreation Portfolio councillor Yve Stocks highlighted that the Firebirds’ players hailed from the Southern Downs, starting their netball careers in Allora (Laura Geitz) and Warwick (Clare McMeniman).
“These women have become tremendous ambassadors, not only for the sport of netball, but for the Southern Downs region, and our communities of Warwick and Allora,” Cr Stocks said.
“Their commitment and passion for netball has definitely paid off and yesterday’s win is just fantastic news.
“Along with their Firebirds team-mates, Laura and Clare are an inspiration to girls and women to get out and get active, to have a go and to strive for excellence.”
