By Sonia Mkoloma Surrey Storm and England defender

Mkoloma's Swifts were beaten by Adelaide in the ANZ grand final

The ANZ Championships for me this season has been so different in comparison to my previous years.

I have finally been able to be part of an Australian franchise in the shape of the New South Wales Swifts, who are based in Sydney.

The Swifts have had a great season, completing the minor season undefeated and winning the minor Premiership. I have gone from not winning a game throughout a season to not being able to lose - what a feeling.

I guess being crowned grand finalists would have been the perfect finish, but that wasn't to be and I'm glad it was able to go to a fellow England teammate, Adelaide Thunderbirds' Geva Mentor.

I have also been able to watch some of my other English teammates out here in action and as well as Geva having an outstanding season, you will be glad to know that Ama Agbeze has also been playing great netball too.

Jade Clarke joined Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic for the latter matches at the end of the season, which was great news.

Sydney has been great and that's just the city. It's pretty comparable to my hometown of London, but with beaches and better weather.

After playing alongside the girls on their short tour to Australia, I can say that England are looking on form Sonia Mkoloma

I have loved the sunshine, beaches, restaurants, shops, more shops and the nightlife. I have done so much - visited the zoo, been to Aussies rules matches, as well as rugby league and union games. I didn't know the rules for any of them, but enjoyed watching the guys. I have made loads of new friends and have had a brilliant time on and off the court.

Now that the ANZ season has finished, all the countries start their preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

After playing alongside the girls on their short tour to Australia, I can say that England are looking on form.

Our performances were great and this kind of preparation means for greater and better results in our forthcoming tours and Commonwealth Games. This for me is very exciting, as I believe we are in top contention to bringing the gold medal home in style.

So keeping watching and I will be in touch soon with more details as our preparation steps up a gear.

Sonia

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