I’ve played on a range of soccer fields over the past 12 years, and in my opinion, O’Connor Park is about as good it gets.

The property is owned by the Strikers, and therefore they decide when it’s open for play.

The club is yet to call off a game; teams have played in spite of inclement weather conditions in rainy, windy and cold days.

It looks as though conditions will be ideal this weekend, with the weatherman predicting a sunny day on Sunday - how fitting!

There will be a light south-westerly wind blowing.

It’s going to be cold with a maximum of 12 degrees celcius so make sure you wear plenty of layers if you plan on spectating.

Try as you may, you won’t be able to find it on Google Maps. Not to worry - we’ve included a map courtesy of Google and the Cootamundra Herald.

Men’s First Grade

History: The Strikers lost their only stoush with Tolland this season; 4-1. Cootamundra have lost four games so far this season, and Tolland have lost three.

Goalkeeper, Mick Simons, discusses the factors that may influence Sunday’s game.

“We’re playing Tolland; they’re on top so it’s going to be a big test.

“A couple of our mistakes really hurt us in the last game against Tolland, but we should be able to compete with them.

“We need to use our wingmen Steve Armstrong and Josh Purtell. 

“The difference between us and them is that we’ve drawn a couple of games that we should have finished off.

“If we win on Sunday we can tell ourselves that we can compete with the top side.

“We’ve got to keep our discipline; not give away too many free kicks, and concentrate on our structure.

“The two Gardiner boys are usually their top goal-scorers so we will mark up and try to close off any opportunities.”

Men’s Reserve Grade

History: In their first clash, Tolland defeated Cootamundra 5-0. In their second clash, Tolland defeated Cootamundra 9-1.

Reserves coach, Andrew ‘Wally’ Parkinson, talks about the upcoming game on the weekend.

“We’re versing Tolland and I know we can beat them; especially considering the way we’ve been playing.

“I said to the boys a week ago, ‘We have five weeks to go I want to win three of five.’

“Last Sunday we won that first game of five, and the sniff of victory will help us.

“We’ve come good; Coota reserves tend to shape up at the end of the season and go into the games with the right attitude.

“Everything has to go right on the day, but I really do believe we can win.”

Women’s First Grade

History: So far Junee has defeated Cootamundra in all three games this season; 5-0, 12-0 and 5-0.

Coach and goalkeeper, Annette Parkinson, talks strategy for the game on the weekend.

“Last weekend Tolland beat Junee 10-nil, so we’re in with a shot. 

“Generally Junee is a strong side; they’re very physical so I want the girls to be strong on the ball and strong in defence. 

“We played them in the preseason and kept them scoreless.

“In the 87th minute Alana Simons snuck through and scored and we won that match one-nil.

“Our team will be at full strength apart from one, so we plan on shutting down their opportunities.”