The Coffs Harbour Suns women's state league team flew back into Coffs Harbour on Sunday afternoon with their runners-up trophies after making the grand final of the statewide competition in only their 3^rd year in the league.  Given there are 14 associations in the competition, making the finals was an achievement in itself but the Suns were determined to do the best they possibly could.

The silver medal was an excellent result for the talented and dedicated team, who under expert coach Herb Haddon, have exemplified the Suns spirit of sportsmanship and determination all season.

And in another great result for the Suns on the weekend, two Suns players were presented with NSW State League Awards.   Stephanie Taylor received the league's "Rookie of the Year" while Bonnie Kuchel was selected in the league's `All Star Five'. 

For the right to play in the grand final the Suns had to get over ex-champions Goulburn in the semi-final. The Suns started confidently, getting out to a small lead in the 1^st quarter with experienced players Regan Kama, Bonnie Kuchel & Daphne McKenzie showing the way for the Suns younger players.  Great defence by Katie Henry & Stephanie Taylor allowed the Suns to go into the half time break with a 2 point lead.

In the 3^rd quarter the battle continued with both sides digging deep but the Suns managed to keep a slender lead with Milly Bendall & Ashlea Brennan scoring some fine baskets.  In the last quarter Goulburn threw everything they had at the Suns but with inspirational play by captain Regan Kama, the Suns kept themselves in the game, even when Goulburn went to the lead. In the last few seconds of the game, with the Suns down by 1 point, Bonnie Kuchel was put on the free throw line for 2 shots, getting the 1^st but missing the 2^nd, to put the game into overtime. 

In overtime the Suns dug deep and secured an amazing 75 - 70 win with Daphne McKenzie stepping up, scoring 5 points including a great-banked 3 pointer when the Suns needed it most.  Milly Bendall was cool under pressure with Goulburn putting her on the line in the dying stages, scoring the last 5 points of the game.

It was a great team effort by the Suns, never backing down from the very experienced and physical Goulburn team.  Captain Regan Kama did herself and Coffs Harbour basketball proud with her play and leadership, leading the scoring with 17 points followed by Daphne McKenzie and Bonnie Kuchel with 13.

The win put the Suns into the final against the very strong Shoalhaven outfit who had not been troubled by any other team in the season.  However the Suns took it to them from the start and managed to stay within reach in the 1^st quarter, trailing 10 - 19 at the break.

In the 2^nd quarter Shoalhaven went up a gear with a very professional exhibition of fast break basketball and despite the best efforts of Rachel Charnock & Brook Secombe in running their tails off to get back on defence, Shoalhaven put on 34 points to lead the Suns going into the 2^nd half, 53 - 25.

In the 2^nd half the Suns kept taking it to the opposition but could not contain Shoalhaven.  Coach Haddon took the opportunity to give all of the Suns plenty of court time with juniors Abbe Sweetman and Jess Bailey getting good experience in the `big league'.  The Suns eventually went down 56-111 with again an inspirational Regan Kama leading the scoring with 16 points, followed by Ashlea Brennan with 14 and Milly Bendall with 10.

Coach Haddon was extremely proud of the girls efforts, both during the season and during the finals series. Herb was glowing with pride at the airport on arrival home. "The girls have played well all season.  Our combination of youth & experience was vital for the success during the season, but to see the older girls this weekend was unbelievable.  They certainly showed what it means to `step up and be counted', and I am sure the younger girls now have more understanding of how to play finals basketball.  I was immensely proud of everyone's efforts, and I would like to thank them all for their contribution during the season."