New South Wales has claimed the 2018 Marie Little Shield title with a come-from-behind win in the tournament’s grand final in Brisbane today.
This is the fourth consecutive year that NSW have claimed the Marie Little Shield, overcoming a 3-0 deficit early in the match to defeat South Australia 13-10.
The Marie Little Shield is an annual tournament that provides women with an intellectual disability the chance to compete at a national level.
Named after disability netball pioneer, Marie Little OAM, the competition which is proudly supported by Netball Australia’s Community and Social Inclusion partner Australia Post, sees teams from six states and territories compete.
The Marie Little Shield grand final was played as a curtain-raiser for the opening match of the Constellation Cup played between the Samsung Australian Diamonds and the New Zealand Silver Ferns.
NSW coach Jenny O’Keeffe was thrilled with how her team pulled together to come away with the win.
“I couldn’t be prouder. They went out there and really did their jobs,” she said.
“There was always the potential for us to lose the moment being out on a big court like that in the lead up to the Diamonds and Silver Ferns match, but they held it together and for that I’m really, really proud.”
Australia Post General Manager of Marketing and Community, Andrea Pearman, said it was great to see such great talent showcased throughout the Marie Little Shield tournament.
“Since our first year of support of the Marie Little Shield in 2014, the tournament has continued to grow from strength to strength,” she said.
“With a growing number of states and territories represented, the netball community continues to embrace this important event which showcases inclusive netball environments at a national level.
"We’re particularly excited to see the way in which the Marie Little Shield provides a pathway and inspiration for some of our One Netball Community Award winners, who focus on supporting women with an intellectual disability at club level. This event provides them with a goal to aspire to and strive for.”
Australia Post has partnered with Netball Australia since 2014 on the Australia Post One Netball program, delivering social inclusion and community initiatives to more than 250 communities across the country.
