The sweet sweet taste of finals success!!!

Wednesday, 19 September 2007

Bangalows 4th grade women have created history with a first ever Grand Final win in senior women's soccer since its inception nine years ago beating Lennox Head 3/2 on penalties.Spurred on by the under 16 win in the game before them the girls put on a gutsy performance in hot , dry conditions. It seemed the trophy was in the bag when Razy King scored off a Fiona Smith corner with 15 minutes to go but Lennox struck back minutes later with a soft goal.Before they knew it extra time was upon them and some world class saves from skipper Joy Crouch kept the girls in the game.   The memory of last years lost to Ballina in the final must have been in the back off their minds as the girls dug in and held out a determined Lennox outfit.So it was off to dotties Lennox stepped up first and the shot was smashed into the cross bar sending the huge Bangalow crowd into a frenzy,Fiona smith was next and she made no mistake blasting the ball past the keeper.Lennox however were denied once again with a save by Joy, feeling confident Joy came out to take a shot but pushed the ball wide.Lennox made their next shot and a tired Georgia Moses stepped into the action and pushed her shot straight to the keeper it was now up to the young guns Naomi Dean and Anna Hutchinson.Naomi capped off a huge day by slotting her shot giving the Lennox keeper no chance, a save from Joy from the next Lennox shooter would have given the Bluedogs the game but it wasn't to be Lennox put the ball away neatly so it was down to one kick if it goes in the Bluedogs create history a miss would give Lennox another sniff.Cometh  the hour cometh the Bluedog it was all down to 15 year old Anna Hutchinson, she calmly walked up to the spot placed the ball down and slotted the Bluedogs into the history books sending the 200 strong crowd into a state of ecstasy. The Bluedog songs carried on late into the night as they sipped on champagne kindly donated by the team sponsor the Bangalow Hotel.Joy Crouch was awarded Best On Field for her heroics during the game. Coach Hanigan praised all off his troops yet again but he refused to give a formal interview because he was getting on the sipper. So a big thank you to Joy for your leadership this year,Leah we would have never got this far with out you,Vick your power house defending was 1st class,Ang those big toeys have saved us numerous times, Katie your smile and your wit has kept us laughing along with some great defending,Natie your skills have been a pleasure to watch,Rainy your pre game schedule leaves a lot to be desired but at least Tubby is happy your efforts have been huge,Megs for your first year off soccer you have improved out of sight and to play with a broken rib was silly but we were glad you did,Morsy you are such a goer I want to be like you when i grow up,Razy you were the engine in the room top effort,Jacinta for another first timer to be a starting midfielder at the end of the year was a huge achievement,Sherese your efforts on and off the field have been huge not only for this team but also for the club and your husbands hot, Mars what can I say what a year you've had never giving up giving 110% every game,Georgia you've played so many different spots for us this year and you've never let us down,Fe your experience has been priceless along with your goals and dotties,Penny why did you get pregnant in the middle of a soccer season,Naomi and Anna I cant not thank you guys enough we would have not gotten as far as we did with out you some people play a whole lifetime and never win a grandy but you guys have won 2 on the same day well done, Dave your support and oranges were first class yet again and I'm sure all the girls thank you for your generosity. I hope i haven't missed anyone. Thanks for a year i will never forget!!!!