The NSW Firestars became the most successful team in Gilley's Shield history, beating Queensland earlier this afternoon to claim their 23rd title. The five-day National Championship was held at West Beach, SA between January 2-6. 

Recap

The Firestars had an incredible start to the tournament, remaining unbeaten in their five games at the end of day 2, as well as restricting all their opponents from scoring against them. Their first and only loss in the tournament came against South Australia right at the start of day 3. Among some of the top performers from our women in blue were Taylah Tsitsikronis, Grace Wrixon and Chantelle Ladner.

Three convincing wins against Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland on day 4 paved the way for the Firestars to play in the semi-finals earlier this morning against South Australia. A well-contested game ensued, with the defending champions bowing out to a 11-4 result fittingly sealed by a fantastic shot to right field by Stacey Porter. 

Played against Queensland in front of a packed crowd at 3pm, the Grand Final had on display a continuation of the Firestars' scintillating form, including Stacey McManus' home run in the bottom of the 2nd innings as well as Taylah Tsitsikronis' homer not long after. Pitching the entirety of the game, Kaia Parnaby restricted the opposition to just one hit and no runs. The Firestars wrapped up the game in under 80 minutes with a 7-0 final result.

Watch the full highlights of the Grand Final

Individual Award Winners

The following four out of the five individual awards were deservedly won by the NSW Firestars-

• Sybil Turner Medal - Best Batter: Taylah Tsitsikronis 
• Rosemary Adey Medal - Rookie of the Year: Isabelle Hanna 
• Midge Nelson Medal - Most Valuable Player: Taylah Tsitsikronis 
• Player of the Grand Final: Taylah Tsitsikronis