These attributes contributed to their achievement of remaining undefeated for the entire carnival, awarding them back to back trophies.

Normally the association would nominate 10 players to compete in a carnival of this calibre but due to circumstances this team competed the weekend with only eight players, plus an emergency reserve.

The team contested five minor round matches and two finals, including the grand final, after extra time was required to break a tie.

This exceptionally talented and versatile team produced the first mother/daughter in Sue Sinclair (emergency reserve) and Kylie Fowler with the remaining team comprised of Tracy Wright (captain), Kerrily Doudle (vice-captain), Pam Roach, Jodie Crettenden, Latisha Proude, Helen Marks, Nerrilee McRostie, Joyce Vlassco (manager), Jan Regan (coach) and Kirsten Langmead (umpire).Injury and player management became a focus as the carnival progressed and the physio worked his magic to keep all the players in peak condition for the gruelling matches that challenged them physically and mentally.

Game 1 PL def Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara 24-20

The opening five minutes of this match was fast, physical, flow-on netball with all players on court releasing their nervous, pent up energy.

Port Lincoln gained two mini breaks of unanswered goals to lead 13-8 at the conclusion of the first half.

A new goalie combination for the second term added fresh legs but required time to settle and find momentum but strong defensive pressure enabled the team to defeat a determined opponent.

Game 2 PL def Kangaroo Island 28-20

Defence was the emphasis for this match and all eight players delivered with close checking one on one netball, which produced nine goals before their opponents scored.

During the second term Proude (WD), Crettenden (GD) and Doudle (GK) applied relentless pressure, turning the ball back into attack where Roach (C), McRostie (WA) and Marks (GS) worked in tandem to feed Fowler at goal attack, who converted 90 per cent.

The team combined to record a staggering 33 interceptions for the match while conceding a paltry five penalties.

Game 3 PL def Southern Yorke Peninsula 38-12

Coach Regan challenged her players in this match by setting team and individual goals, which spurred her side on to record a resounding victory.

This percentage boost assisted Lincoln in securing top position at the completion of the minor rounds.

Wright (GS) and Fowler (GA) nailed the majority of their scoring attempts to record stats of 82 and 92 per cent respectively.

Quick, strong, forward leads and ball movement highlighted a polished display of team netball.

Port Lincoln remained disciplined defensively keeping contacts and obstructions to a minimum while racking up 18 turnovers.

Game 4 PL def Yorke Peninsula 27-17

Yorke Peninsula dictated play in the first half with a strong body on body contest.

This physical battle forced the Lincoln players into decision errors and erratic passing, which placed them into the position of chasing goals on the scorecard.

Strong leadership from Roach and McRostie through the mid court settled the side and, to their credit, they tied the match at nine all by the first break.

Ball protection and patience was the coach’s directive at half time along with fresh legs - Fowler entering at goal attack and Marks to wing defence.

This produced immediate results with possession netball forcing Yorke Peninsula out of position all over the court.

Fowler (GA) and Wright (GS) presented an outstanding, combined goal shooting display many State goalies would envy, converting the perfect term of 18/18.

This demoralised Yorke Peninsula and victory went to Port Lincoln by 10 goals.

Game 5 PL def Mid South East 27-17

Deny your opponent the ball was the message for this match and that is exactly what the team delivered.

Zone defence unsettled Mid South East, forcing them to lob the ball high, enabling the Lincoln defenders to record 27 running intercepts.

Port Lincoln’s unrelenting pressure frustrated and unnerved their opponents, forcing them to change their accustomed style of play, as their clear avenue to goals was blocked.

Fowler dominated at goal attack with another 100 per cent first quarter and registered 20/22 (90.9 per cent) for the game.

First final: PL def Kangaroo Island 41-15

Port Lincoln were focussed and well prepared for their finals clash against Kangaroo Island and they scored the opening five goals to instantly break the spirit of their opponents.

Each player was set a task within the game plan and every member of the team performed above expectation.

The half time score favoured Port Lincoln, 18-5.

The second quarter unveiled a different approach and style of play with Port Lincoln using the give/go movement through the mid court and into attack.

Wright (GS) and Fowler (GA) opened up the goal circle with running rotations and thrived on the precisional ball feeding by Roach (C) and McRostie (WA).

Fowler capped off another stunning performance, shooting 30/32 (93.7 per cent) for the match.

Grand final: PL d Mid South East 30-26

This grand final pulled an enormous gallery of spectators/supporters and no one was disappointed with the standard of netball delivered by both teams.

Port Lincoln started the match with tempo netball to slow Mid South East’s aggressive, fast flowing style of play, enabling them to gain a five-goal break on their opponents.

Momentum started to swing in Mid South East’s favour late in the term, but Port Lincoln dug deep to fend off the challenge with Roach (C), Marks (WD), Crettenden (GD) and Doudle (GK) chipping in with 13 timely intercepts.

Time denied Mid South East opportunities and Port Lincoln headed to the break leading 12-8.

The second term produced a quality of netball equal to any senior match.

Errors were minimal and highlights were abundant and the respect shown by each player for their opponent was evident as the game stepped up another level.

Both teams scored alternating goals with neither side prepared to concede ascendency.

In the final three minutes Mid South East quickened the pace and Port Lincoln faulted from exhaustion due to their heavy workload throughout the carnival.

This lapse resulted in six unanswered goals for Mid South East and a 22 all score line, forcing the game to extra time to decide a winner.

Both teams re-entered the match knowing they were required to play two five minute halves.

Port Lincoln worked through their fatigue and with grit, determination and courage broke their opponents’ spirit by outscoring them 5-1 in the first half of extra time.

Wright (GS) converted both her attempts and Fowler (GA) slotted 3/3 giving their team the confidence to dig deeper for one more term. Mid South East made one last challenge but Port Lincoln stood strong and defended tall.

Roach and McRostie used their extensive netball knowledge to soak up the last precious seconds on the time clock before the final whistle sounded, awarding Port Lincoln their second title.