A cool change in the weather this week has come at the perfect time to herald the beginning of winter sports.
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The Strikers will be the first football code to get their season officially under way, hosting Tolland at O’Connor Park this weekend.
The club will field five teams this season, a considerable step-up from three teams last year.
Four of those sides will take to their home ground on Sunday, a rare club day that should provide a great atmosphere for supporters and competitors alike.
The women’s Strikers reserve grade will kick off the proceedings at 9am, followed by first grade at 11am, then men’s reserve grade 1pm and first grade 3pm.
The over 30s men’s side will normally play at 3pm on Saturday, but have the bye this week.
It’s been a mixed preseason for the Strikers, who struggled in early clashes against Griffith Football sides but found their form against returning Football Wagga competitors Young Lions two weeks ago.
The women set the tone early with a comfortable 4-0 win, which was followed up by a 1-1 draw for the reserves and a 2-1 win for first grade.
The day was marked by fantastic travelling support, which the Strikers will be hoping for again this week.
Club president James Philpott said Cootamundra enjoy a “healthy rivalry” with Tolland, a physically and verbally boisterous side who usually set the standard across the grades.
The Strikers will be missing captain-coach Luke Dickinson to injury and other key players to work.
Mick Simons will step out of his semi-retirement to fill goalkeeper Kasey Medway’s gloves, and the team will look to their bench and reserves to fill in for Nick Ashe and Sam Masters.
Returning state-league player Brent Farnsworth will undoubtedly be eager to get on the score sheet early for his boyhood club.
New recruits Shannon Foster, Tanealle Eccleston and Erin Boxsell all impressed against Young and will be players to watch.
Samantha Ashley’s wedding reception on Saturday night will also test the discipline of her teammates.
Looking past the Easter break, the draw has not been finalised as Football Wagga looks to ensure clubs have their first and reserve grade teams at the same ground as often as possible.
There’s no break in the action for the Strikers, though, who are hosting their final B&S Ball on Saturday April 4.
