Mick Simons’ side might not have brought home the Leonard Plate on Saturday night but nothing can detract from one of Cootamundra’s sporting success stories.
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Six months ago, the women’s soccer team were at risk of folding due to reduced numbers and disenchantment with their promotion to the Leonard competition.
Fast forward to September and the resurgent Strikers have pushed competition heavyweights Henwood Park in a well-fought decider.
“They’ve really been our success story this year,” said club president James Philpott.
“It was a daunting task for them to play first grade so to come so far and compete strongly in a Plate final is very impressive.”
It was more a than competitive effort with shots from Strikers’ goal-trio Charlee McPherson, Tanealle Eccleston and Alana Simons just missing their mark in the 2-0 grand final loss.
“We had chances with Alana brushing the woodwork, Charlee having two free kicks saved and Tanealle having a couple of shots but we just couldn’t follow it in or grab the cahnces we had,” said Strikers coach Mick Simons.
Every player proved that Cootamundra deserves to have a ladies team and we are here to play hard.
- Coach Mick Simons
“The game could have been won but we just couldn’t find the all-important finish.”
Simons hailed the efforts of his star-studded midfielder but reserved special praise for stand-out defenders Matilda McPherson and Michaella Webb after a superb effort in the final.
“Both these girls have had outstanding seasons,” he said.
Though the result brings no silverware to O’Connor Park, the women’s side have been golden example of Cootamundra’s sporting spirit in 2017.
“Every player proved that Coota deserves to have a ladies team and we are here to play hard,” Simons said.
“The most important thing for me that has come out of this year is that we have still provided that pathway for local junior football players to continue to play quality football in Cootamundra.”
Philpott said the club’s social atmosphere was bolstered immeasurably by the women’s success this season and hoped for even greater participation next year.
“The social aspect has been great with this new group of girls so hopefully they’ll come back and we can push for a reserve grade side,” he said.
“It is a shame we didn’t have enough girls for that reserve grade side but the new group that’s come through is terrific,” Simons agreed.
