THE Urunga Raiders claimed the women’s Challenge Cup with a composed 2-0 win over the Macleay Valley Rangers (MVR) after three days of action at Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads.
Fresh off a dominant 4-0 semi-final victory over Coffs United, the Raiders brought the same intensity into the decider, overcoming a determined Rangers outfit that threatened on multiple occasions but couldn’t find the breakthrough.
The Raiders were all smiles at full-time as Nambucca Strikers president Clay Urquhart presented the trophy, along with a $1,400 winner’s cheque.
The Rangers, gallant in defeat, took home $500 as runners-up.
Urunga Coach Trevor Martin has long treated the pre-season Challenge Cup as a proving ground before the real work begins.
“Challenge Cup has always been a part of our pre-season schedule,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to chat with rival coaches, trial different players and look at game tactics in a friendly but competitive environment.
“After last year’s washout we were hopeful for a fun and productive weekend.
“Saturday was hot and humid which when combined with a slow pitch meant the physical demands on the teams went up a notch.
“We looked sharp from the whistle though and played a quick but controlled brand of football over the group stages, finishing day one with a bag full of goals and none conceded.”
Urunga saved the best for last, with a flawless display on the final day not conceding a goal.
“It was still hot on Sunday and a Urunga vs Urunga first game helped to settle the squad,” Martin said.
“We did step up as the day progressed and found ourselves facing MVR in the final.
They have always been strong and we don’t play them regularly so we were a little unsure of what to expect.
“It was a fitting finals matchup.
“Both teams worked hard and played attractive and competitive football.
“But there can only be one winner and the Raiders girls took the honours with a 2-0 victory.”
The highly decorated coach reflected on the weekend with a smile.
“I was really proud of our campaign over the weekend,” Martin said.
“The girls were solid and worked tirelessly in every match to finish up undefeated and without conceding a goal. “Every one of them worked to their potential and there were some great footballing moments to look back on.
“I couldn’t be happier with the result.”
By David WIGLEY
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