Last Friday Murrumburrah Public School girls soccer team played Griffith East to determine the Riverina Champions of the statewide PSSA Knockout.
This was the fifth game the team had played together in this knockout competition this year. The girls were excited to be playing at home with school and town support.
The game was played between two very strong teams with both sides attacking the goals. Our forwards, Abbey Wade, Jessica Bunt, Chloe Wade, Samantha Emms and Dana Alexander constantly threatened and placed pressure on the opposing goalie.
On our third corner of the day, Sharna Allen curled the ball perfectly, with the ball deflecting off the shoulder of the opposition and into the net. Murrumburrah was in front 1 – 0 going into half-time.
The second half saw East Griffith attempt a penalty shot due to a hand ball in front of the net. Our experienced goalie, Helena Morton-Manwaring luckily didn’t have to use her skills as the ball was skied over the top bar by the Griffith player.
Unfortunately, not long after, the same penalty was again awarded to East Griffith for a hand ball. This time they made contact into the back of the net. The Murrumburrah backs, Madalyn Emms, Hayley Chesworth, Natalya Kelly and Loren Daley displayed fantastic defensive skills, working as a team to keep the opposition out of our half.
The full time whistle went with a score of 1-1. Extra time of five minutes each way started with Murrumburrah up in corner kicks 4-nil.
East Griffith started strongly gaining 2 corners in the first five minutes. The crowd was nervous with many attempts at goal missing by millimetres.
With only one minute to go Murrumburrah displayed their magic when the team combined, passing the ball across the field with great passes and teamwork to Sharna Allen, who outside the 18 yard box, kicked it low into the left hand corner of the oppositions net leaving their goalie stranded. The game was decided.
The midfielders, Clementine Flanery, Sharna Allen and Maria Raptis controlled the centre very effectively throughout the match. Amelia Leitner-Ford stepped up to the challenge, supporting the team as reserve.
Murrumburrah Public School is now the Riverina Champions and in the final 16 teams in the state. Our next game is against Avalon Public School in Sydney. Details of this game will be advised when date and time are confirmed.
Many thanks to Samantha Flanery, for her expertise in coaching the girls and to all the staff, parents and families who have supported them.
