The Be Active Western Stars win a thriller to take out their maiden WNWBL Championship; 43-40 winners over the Stacks Goudkamp Bears.

The low score line was in no way a reflection of the quality of this game. Intense defence from both teams made ball movement almost impossible at times.

The Bears took a very narrow 3 point lead into the quarter time break and then doubled that going into the main break. Kylie Gauci absolutely terrorising the Stars on offence with 4 first half steals.

Mari Amimoto showed her class in the third as the game sea sawed back and forth. A couple of reverse layups under pressure kept the scoring ticking along for the Bears as they added another 3 points to the lead to give themselves a 9 point advantage leading into the three-quarter time break.

Clare Nott worked her way out of some early foul trouble to keep herself in the game and Amber Merritt shook at tough first quarter collision with Kylie Gauci to keep the Stars in touch.

With the game on the line, the Stars came out like a team possessed, hitting the front for the first time since the opening minutes with 3 minutes remaining. Georgia Inglis was outstanding in the clutch hitting some BIG baskets which including a one handed buzzer beater that tied the scores up.

A pair of Amber Merritt Free throws with 6 seconds left gave them a 3 point advantage. Mari Amimoto tried to level the game from deep but it bounced out and the Stars take home their first ever WNWBL Championship!

Both teams can absolutely hold their heads up high after arguably THE GAME OF THE YEAR.

Photo Courtesy of illiView - Maxwell Illingworth