THE Nambucca Strikers have turned a season of grit into glory, being crowned Women’s Division One Premiers before storming straight into the Grand Final at C.ex Coffs International Stadium on Saturday, September 13.
The Strikers sealed the premiership after 10 wins, two draws and just two defeats, edging out Coffs City United Lionesses by a mere two points.
But there was no time to bask in the success, with the Lionesses waiting again in the first-versus-second playoff for a direct ticket to the decider.
Strikers Coach Rhys Jones knew it would take every ounce of resilience his squad could muster.
“After losing the toss and being forced to run into a gale-force southerly breeze, conditions were immediately testing, made worse by an early injury to midfielder Kelly Trisley,” he said.
Under pressure from a determined Coffs side, the Strikers defended valiantly.
In the 10th minute, a swift Strikers counterattack saw Wulaaren Walker latch onto a well-timed pass and calmly slot home the opener.
After a series of Coffs corners, an unfortunate own goal levelled the score at 1-1.
Set pieces continued to be an issue for the Strikers, with a goalmouth scramble seeing Coffs take the lead after the sixth corner of the half.
The girls from Nambucca didn’t flinch however, with Walker clinically finishing a four-pass move to bring the scores even at 2-2.
Just before halftime, sustained pressure earned a penalty, which Sarah Mander converted to give the Strikers a 3-2 lead at the break.
The halftime message from coach Jones was simple: grit, hunger, and relentless work would win the day.
“The second half became a midfield battle, with Lily Woodward and Brindley White repelling wave after wave of pressure,: he told NOTA.
“Even after losing powerhouse defender Taylor Whalley to injury, the Strikers held firm.
“It was a struggle, but in the end, they got home.”
With a place in the grand final secured, Jones praised his squad’s tenacity and spirit.
“We won the premiership through sheer guts, and this game underlined that,” he said.
“We don’t have the resources or depth that teams from other areas have, and for us to stand tall again today shows the character of this group and this club.”
The Strikers women now advance to the grand final on 13 September at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium, where they’ll face either the Coffs United Lionesses or Northern Storm.
By David WIGLEY
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