The final against Echo was always going to be a close game as we had three games previously that went 4/1 loss, 1/1 draw, 2/1 win. We had to get off to a good start to try & put the pressure on Echo early. Nicole was providing good drive through the centre, and some great runs from Nicki out wide resulted in a couple of chances which we couldn’t quite make. Jenny & Corinne were repelling almost all attacks & when Echo did manage to get through Sue made some great saves in goal. Loren playing as a high centre forward & Laura & Lou playing inners got the ball forward a number of times but we couldn’t quite get the finishing work done & so we went into half time all square at nil all. The team were right in this game and went into the 2nd half looking to get an early score, but it was Echo who scored first.
Lily & Anna had a couple of really good chances at goal that didn’t quite make it but then on a short corner play Echo was awarded a penalty stroke. Most were thinking it was likely to be 2 goals we had to get back from but super Sue stopped the shot on goal which gave everyone a big lift. With around 10 minutes to go Southern were awarded a short corner and after a scramble in the circle Laura managed to get the equalizer. Southern attacked again & again but couldn’t quite crack it for another goal & so the game finished at 1/1. It was the same score after extra time and went to penalty strokes. The 5 stroke takers were fantastic, especially when you consider 3 of the ladies are under 15 years old. They all took their shots confidently and after the first round of penalty strokes we finished 4 all, so it went to golden goal shoot out. It was three goals into the shootout before the game was decided & Echo were the winners.
It’s hard not to be disappointed about the final result but the team had a fantastic year, the young ladies improved throughout the year, the older ladies did a great job with their own games, but also encouraged the younger ones all the time which gave them the confidence they needed to keep going. The team played with a great spirit all the time & enjoyed playing the game no matter what the result, which is how it should be played. They never left anything on the field in any of the games & so a big thank you to all the players, we are all so proud of you. I’d also like to say a big thank you to the supporters who came down to watch & support the team, it’s a great feeling for the players knowing they have support from the sidelines. With the improvement shown by so many of the younger players & the great effort put in from our senior players there is a lot to look forward to next year.
