Match report

Match report

Round 6 saw the Girls’ Competition travel to Birdwood Park for one of only two rounds this season with Stirling Districts taking on a combined Woodside Rams (Woodside Warriors and Torrens Valley Rams) team on a spectacular, warm, sunshine filled afternoon.

Kick off was delayed, as were those of the previous three games, and Stirling were still in warm up mode until Rosalie Taylor scored the first goal of the match in the 13th minute. Woodside Rams retaliated only a minute later, and an intense battle ensued. A further goal was conceded at the 18th minute mark by a certain Birthday Girl. Izzy Bailes was consistently strong in defense with some impressive threw kicks to help change up the game. Layla Preece worked closely with her teammates and made several attempts on goals which were all sadly thwarted. Auriana Healy continued to make her mark as an attacking wing, showing speed and agility in hot contests with the opposition and this style of play continued from all throughout the game. Zora Huang was strong and determined in midfield. Although she’d intended to play, Zoe York smoothly switched from player to assistant coach in a true show of leadership and maturity, offering game insight and advice to her teammates throughout warm up and game.

The second half brought a newly invigorated Stirling team to the pitch – must be those mandarins and lolly snakes! Although reluctant to take to the pitch as keeper, Polly Harrison and her spiderman hands were a force to be reckoned with – so much so she made need to become more accustomed to wearing the gloves. Speaking of crackers, Hannah Noonan was on fire! She lit up the defensive midfield and her team’s spirits. Feiya Huang switched up in the second half and showed some passionate play with some strong contests on the ball. From goals in the first half to attacking wing play in the second, Jasmijn Weits showed great tenacity and speed and is such a fun newcomer to watch on pitch. Jae Fitch continues to delight in defense, toying with attackers before winning the battle and some strong forward kicks off the boot to help switch play. She plays especially well with Noa Ransom who has a never say die attitude coupled with fancy footwork on the front line when required. Finally, subbing back on in the last five minutes, Jessie Verryt was jokingly challenged to score at least one, if not two goals, and in the 77th minute she delivered the equaliser!

At the final whistle and in the dying sunlight, the teams drew. They walked onto the pitch, cheered one another and then all joined in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to one of their opponents. This is what football in the Hills is all about – fun, friendship, and a love of the game!