The Forestville Eagles have claimed the 2009 Central ABL Women’s premiership, with a stunning Grand Final victory over the Sturt Sabres.

Forestville exploded out of the blocks, racing to a 10 point lead in the first 6 minutes on the back of three pointers from Dee Ranford and Jess Mahony. Katie Orr tried to get the Sabres back on track with a basket inside the key via an assist from Caroline Burgess, and Burgess did her best to keep Sturt in the hunt, scoring all 8 of Sturt’s other points in the quarter. Mia Newley hit another Forestville triple, and by quarter time the lead had already blown out to 14.

Sturt scored two baskets to start the second period and when Angela Marino drove for a layup, the lead was back to 10 and the Sturt crowd was on its feet. The joy did not last long however, as Forestville responded with a 7-0 run and by half time, had not only countered Sturt’s run, but increased its lead to 16, despite only scoring 12 points in the quarter.

Eventual game MVP Jess Fergus started the second half with consecutive three pointers and when Dee Ranford hit another, the Sabres were forced to call a timeout. The teams traded baskets for the rest of the period and Caroline Burgess scored some strong baskets around the key, but with a 25 point 3/4 time deficit, the game was all but over.

Sturt restored some respectability in the fourth via baskets from Brigid Bowley and Brooke Sidebottom and produced their highest scoring quarter for the game, but by that stage, the damage was done – Forestville eventually winning 74-49.

Jess Fergus was the best offensively for Forestville with 21 points, while Dee Ranford contributed 16 and Mia Newley 15. Jess Mahony played a strong role at the other end, containing Angela Marino and scoring 9 points herself.

For Sturt, defensive player of the year Caroline Burgess battled hard for her 14 points, and captain Monique Bowley and Brigid Bowley finished with 7 each.

The victory gave the Eagles their 4th title of the decade, and their 6th overall. Sturt’s final game was not their best, but the club still finished the decade with 3 premierships from four final grand final appearances.