ABA 2024-25: Barking Owls add third women’s A-grade title in four seasons after disposing of Railways Tigers

Barking Owls confirmed their status as the most dominant side of the last five years, trouncing Railways Tigers to win another Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade premiership on Friday night. The Owls added to their trophy cabinet with a commanding performance on the big stage, resulting in a third title in four seasons. Last season the Owls were the team to beat but were upset in the decider by Denmark Magpies and again went in as favourites this season against the young Tigers squad, who were making their grand final debut. Despite a valiant effort and strong opening put up by Tigers, the Owls rallied and shot clear in the first half with their 13-point lead crucial in the 62-39 triumph. Former WNBL player Rebecca Benson showed all her class in the grand final, a deserving recipient of the most valuable player award with 16 points to her name for the Owls. Owls coach Belinda Edwards said the score was in line with the Owls performance throughout the season and that they “definitely delivered” what she was hoping for. “It’s what I was expecting really,” she said. “I would hope that they would perform like they have all this year. “They know their processes, they’re very, very committed and they play a very fast game. “They work really hard in all aspects, so that’s really nice for them to get a reward at the end.” A triple by Benson in the first 40 seconds of the game set the tone for the Owls, who kept a steady possession until Tayeesha Weeden jumped in to reply with a basket for Tigers. A long shot from Brodie Dixon got the Tigers back on level terms, further helped by young star Hollie Jackman throwing herself in front of Owls attempts and keeping them out at the offensive end. After a timeout, the Tigers jumped back into play with Tayeesha Weeden inching her side ahead with a well executed three pointer. A Dakota Bremner basket was quickly replied to by Jackman, but the steady hands of Benson got the Owls back in front where they stayed for the remainder of the game. The Owls went on a 13-0 run after Jackman’s basket as they held a significant 35-22 advantage at the main break. Tayeesha Weeden notched yet another triple to kick off the second half to narrow the margin to 10 but an unstoppable Owls skipped clear again as Milla Trichilo, Benson, Bremner and Casey Gabriel went to work. Jackman fouled out with only two minutes left on the clock with her Tigers trailing by 21 points, the Owls cruising to a 23-point victory in the end with Benson free throws and a Ruby Steele triple scored on the final buzzer icing on the cake. Bremner was as effective as ever with 13 points, Keely Berry worked hard for 10 and Steele added eight for Owls. Tigers coach Sharnee Clothier praised her team’s effort in their first grand final, noting Tuesday’s win against 2023-24 premiers Denmark Magpies had the girls “buzzing and super excited” to take on the big challenge. “They were super keen to get in but the Owls just got us tonight,” she said. “This is half of the team that we started with, because we had a lot moved to play through uni. “They did everything. They threw the kitchen sink at Barking Owls. Tigers star Dixon delivered 15 points for her side, including three long range baskets, while Weeden sisters Tayeesha and Shanaya were vital with 10 and six respectively. BOX SCORE Barking Owls 62 (Rebecca Benson 16, Dakota Bremner 13, Keely Berry 10, Ruby Steele 8, Milla Trichilo 6, Ava Marmion 4, Casey Gabriel 3, Tatum Whalley 2) def Railways 39 (Brodie Dixon 15, Tayeesha Weeden 10, Shanaya Weeden 6, Hollie Jackman 5, Jayde McHenry 3)