While many had tipped Heat to take out the top spot in the decider, Crossfire came into the clash with one simple objective: if they were going to go down to a team that had yet to taste defeat this year, they were going to make it close.

With just nine goals in it, they certainly made it close, in part due to the 2018 Irene Murray Player of the Final Georgia Marr, who dominated the centre of the court for the defeated side in the opening half.

Her shift to goal attack in the second half brought with it the same impact her roving movements in the first had, but Heat’s young stars proved too much to handle as they claimed the Charlestown throne.

Helen Grogan, who had helmed the undefeated youngsters throughout 2018, praised their “full team effort” in the final, but pointed to Crossfire’s determination as the key to the stellar final clash.

“Crossfire were determined to do well, and they did,” she said. “The first and third quarters set up an unassailable lead for us that Crossfire just could not close however.”

“The sportsmanship displayed before, during and after the game was a credit to both teams, but admirable of Crossfire after scoring so close to us. It was a great game to watch and a great ending to the season.”

Grogan also pointed to the club’s captain, Jamie Lord, who answered Marr’s command in the centre of the court to guide Heat to their silverware.

“While all the Heat players had good games, for me the outstanding player in our court was our captain Jamie Lord,” Grogan said. “She was strong in attack and midcourt defence.”

Charlestown’s netball seasons and competitions will return in April, 2019.