Tamworth Thunderbolts 2019 grand final | Canberra Gunners Academy win 75-63

After beating Hills Hornets 85-67 in the semi-final at Niagara Park Stadium on Saturday, the Thunderbolts produced what their coach, John Ireland, said was probably the side's worst offensive performance of the season in losing the grand final to Canberra Gunners Academy.

The 75-63 result at Terrigal's Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium on Sunday was Tamworth's second Waratah League loss in 2019, in what they had hoped would be a debut championship in their 50th anniversary year.

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There was no fairytale ending to the long careers of Tamworth's much-respected co-captains, David Bourke and Chris Skilton, who are now retired.

Canberra were never headed after taking a 4-2 lead early in the first quarter, although Tamworth's players were pumped when they scored five unanswered points to make it a 42-37 ball game midway through the third quarter. However, Canberra surged again and led 59-39 heading into the final quarter.

Tamworth's American export, Quayshun Hawkins, the league MVP, was held to just five points. His season average was 20.86 points per game.

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Rhys Chillingworth top-scored for the Thunderbolts with eight points.

Ireland said: "We were really struggling to finish and put the ball in the hole. We turned the ball over way too much.

"But at the same time, too, I've got to give a lot of credit to Canberra - the way they played in defence. They were disruptive. For a small side, they played well above their height and weight and made life extremely difficult for us."

He added: "Our offensive execution just wasn't on point today. And you know, that was the difference in the game."

The Thunderbolt women failed to advance to the grand final after Wagga Wagga beat them 87-60 in the semi-final at Terrigal on Saturday. Wagga Wagga beat Coffs Harbour 69-64 in Sunday's finale.

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