Match report

The joys of winter weather combined with sport saw all Girls’ Competition Games relocated from Bradwood Park to Summit Sport and Recreation Park for Saturday 1 July. The sun was shining and hopes high when Stirling Districts took to the pitch with a full team sheet to face off against Woodside Rams. The match was due to start at 2:10pm but was delayed as a result of earlier games running late and the halves shortened to 35 minutes.

First half saw birthday girl Auriana Healy take to goals for the first time this season and she shone! Using the typical quick darts we’re accustomed to on the field, she was quick to come out and meet the ball, thwarting the opposition’s attempts every time barr one early on. Zoe York was back in her comfort zone as CDM and ensured Woodside Rams had their work cut out for them as she took control of the pitch. Jae Fitch was formidable in defence, taking a ball on the full kicked to her mid section and continuing to hold ground with some impressive through kicks. Cool and calm, Aubrey Adams. Rosalie Taylor was unrelenting in her attempts up the wing attacking the goal although she was unable to convert her attempts to the score sheet. Likewise with strong play from striker Polly Harrison. En Ueda made some strong tackles and worked well with Emma Dalton whose defensive kicks quickly took the ball back to the attacking half.

Second half had regular goal scorer Hannah Noonan on the other side of the pitch in goals. Although reluctant at first, she held her own and steady hands kept the opposition from any further scores. The team’s other birthday girl, Jessie Verryt, was determined an helped to control the midfield. Zora Huang was poetry in motion, frequently passing the through ball to her sister Feiya Huang who also made several attempts on goal. Noa Ransom was a player to watch, working hard on her positioning to see the ball across the goal line, although it did not translate. Evelyn Wilson played with grit, giving one of her best games so far this season. Layla Preece put in a solid effort as a striker, giving cause for gasps with her almost but not quite shots on goal. Jasmijn Weits persisted throughout the game, utilising her speed on the wing and sadly her many shots on goal were not rewarded.

Although the final score line was not as hoped with only their second loss for the season to date, all Stirling Districts’ U17G can continue to hold their heads high for playing tenacious, clean football. This team really is a pleasure to coach and manage with a strong sisterhood at it’s core.