Peel’s superior speed and passing game proved the difference as it retained the regional champions’ tag 34-20.

“Overall, they played really good, attacking basketball,” Peel coach Louise Taylor said.

“They went to sleep every now and then but woke up when they needed to.”

The damage was done in the first quarter, with Peel outscoring Oxley 12-2.

Peel had comparatively quiet second and third quarters – netting only six points in both – but exploded again in the final quarter.

Their passing game was a real feature. They were also damaging on the transition and scored off a few breakaways from steals.

Backing up from a big game for the Thunderbolt women on Saturday, Sara Westman was a standout and top-scored with 12 points.

Chantelle Lee was close behind with eight and was a “good play-maker”, while Dhlara Knox hit four.

Taylor said Taylor Nean-Bell was also fantastic in defence.

She forced a lot of steals.

Jalamari Knox also played well until she rolled her ankle.

Sheleaka O’Leary-Cloake also had a solid game, Taylor said. 

The side is made up of a players from a mix of years, starting at Year 7.

Peel will now play the Western Region B side, while Oxley will take on the Western Region winners.

Oxley coach Warwick James felt they lost it in the first quarter.

“We had trouble getting it to the hoop,” James said.

The Peel girls really hassled the ball carrier and were able to affect a few turnovers.

“After that, we were able to take a bit more control,” he said.

He said they are a pretty inexperienced side, and he was happy with how they rallied. 

They just didn’t have the same combination that Peel did and couldn’t match their tempo or passing game.

“Their passing was awesome,” James remarked.

“And Sara Westman was big inside for them.”

The shots too just didn’t seem to drop. They had a lot of shots roll out, James said.

Natalee Vinall top-scored for them with seven, and was also tasked to defend Westman for a while.

Amelia Dadd also had a strong game and was their player of the match.

“She played strongly both ends of the court and ran the floor well,” he said.

He also mentioned Maddie Dadd and Jess Watts, who are two of their younger players.