Strikers coach Mick Simons has admitted to a significant gulf on the Leonard Cup table after his side fell 6-0 to fifth-placed Junee on Sunday afternoon.
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The likes of Michaella Webb were sorely missed as the blue and whites found themselves trailing earlier than expected, forcing a game of catch-up that held no happy endings for the Strikers.
Speaking after the siren, Simons rued a depleted bench but could take nothing away from a superior Jaguars side.
“Look, there’s a pretty big gap between teams in this competition, especially between five and six,” Simons said.
“It was tough missing players today and we’ve got plenty playing out of position but the girls are still enjoying it and getting out there to compete.”
Though the Strikers sit just below Junee on the Leonard Cup ladder, the Jaguars have won six and drawn four of their 12 games as opposed to Cootamundra’s four wins and ten losses from 14 fixtures.
The Strikers’ improvement has nevertheless been superb this season with Simons expressing pride at his side’s rise from playing uncertainties to genuine competitors.
“It’s just an indication of the strength of the competition and to be honest, we’ve even surprised ourselves at times this year,” Simons said.
“We’ve gone from having no team at the start of the year to having a decent side that’s competing at this level.
“Those are good signs of a team that enjoys playing together and a good club culture.”
More to come on Gardiner and Pascoe Cup results.