In wintry conditions at Mitchell Park on Saturday, the Cootamundra Strikers 14/15s and South West Credit Union 12/13s junior soccer teams became premiership teams.
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Both teams had strong seasons in the South West Slopes Soccer Association competition capped off with grand final victories.
The 12/13s grand final was played first with the Credit Union side coming up against Cootamundra's other team Croplands.
The full-time score of 6-5 reflected the closeness of the contest.
While Credit Union scored the winning goal with 10 minutes to go, Croplands had an attempt on goal five minutes later; a shot which had it been successful would have sent the game into extra time.
Croplands coach Jason Sloan reported the game went virtually goal for goal and could have gone either way.
"The standard of play was very high," he said, while congratulating the victors.
The standard of play was very high
- Jason Sloan
Sloan then backed up to coach the Strikers in the 14/15s grand final against cross-town rivals Harden.
The Strikers contained many of the same players who lost a grand final to Harden last year so they knew they weren't in for an easy day out.
A first half goal to Blake Sloan was the only score by either side at halftime.
A Harden equaliser had mums, dads and community members on the sideline nervous, however the Strikers pulled together playing well as a team and were rewarded when Lily Murphy scored the winning goal.
Sloan said he was most impressed by the teamwork shown by the Strikers.
"It's really what got them over the line," he said.
With three players playing up an age group from the 13s - Abbey Sloan, Lily Murphy and Curtis Robinson - and all but one player eligible to play again next year, this powerhouse side will hope to replicate and build on their success.
For Cootamundra to have three teams in a grand final shows their dominance over other towns in the association.
As the regular season comes to an end, attention for Cootamundra's young soccer stars turns to representative duty.
This year marks the first time 10 and 11-year-olds will be part of the South West Slopes representative team, a move aimed at increasing participation at rep level by involving players from a young age.
Cootamundra is always well represented. Trials will take place in October.
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