COOTAMUNDRA Pacific National under 9’s junior soccer team defeated Tumut in a much-anticipated grand final match on Saturday. Leading up to the grand final, Tumut and Coota had played three close matches. Tumut and Coota won a game each, and the most recent game resulted in a 2-2 draw. Cootamundra relished the opportunity to play Tumut again to determine the premiership and as expected, the final was a closely contested match.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When the referee blew the whistle to begin the game both sides tussled for an early lead. It was Coota’s Sam Sharman, though, who took full advantage of a break in Tumut’s line of defence in the third minute of the game. Sam hit home a perfectly-timed shot from just outside the 18 yard box.
From then on the game was exceptionally close with both teams evenly matched in terms of player skills and determination. Solid defence by Heidi Parkinson and Sophie O’Callaghan stopped Tumut’s attack in its tracks. Midfielders Lachlan Smirl and Jake Blackney quickly turned attacks from the opposition to offensive play with superb positioning, clearing kicks and strategic passing. Tumut were goalless at half time - exactly where Coota wanted them to be.
Second half saw a reinvigorated team take the field, with play centered on the midfield due to the excellent teamwork and fancy footwork from Sam, India Bodycott, Francesca Scott and Aleisha Logue. With the score at 1-0 though, Cootamundra was keen to lengthen the lead. Determined play by Zara English, and Madeline Brown in the forwards and some brilliant breakaway runs by Jack Murphy and Francesca almost lengthened Coota’s lead, with both players unlucky not to score on several occasions.
Tumut also were desperate to end the game with a win or at least a draw and played an impressive attacking game for the majority of the match keeping goalie Caleb Elmes on high alert. Caleb’s fantastic kicks from goals cleared the ball through the field and ensured play quickly returned to Tumut’s half.
The last 10 minutes of the game were nail biting for everyone wrapped up in the game including the coach and supporters, and both teams fought valiantly for control of the game.
The final score was 1-0 giving Cootamundra a well-earned victory and breaking an 11-year drought since Cootamundra last won the under 9’s premiership.
Contributed by under 9’s coach John English.
