On Tuesday the 21st the First Grade Ladies made the trip up to North Nowra to play against Illaroo.
Even though it was the first game where it hasn’t rained, it was still a very cold night on the pitch with the temperature hitting 5 degrees while the girls were playing.
The game started strong with both sides having a few chances that were hit straight at the keepers. The Illaroo midfield were as classy as ever but were played out of the game thanks to the dynamic duo of Jenna Maciejewski and Karyn Coleman controlling the middle of the park.
The girls started to really get in their groove and put together some great passes which led up to a through ball for Dannielle Saunders who slotted away a goal on an impossible angle.
The back line stayed strong under the pressure that followed with the guidance of Lyndsay Freeman playing a high line. Even with it being her first game with the girls they clicked immediately into an impenetrable force denying any counter attacks giving keeper Caylie Wise very little work to do.
Before half time another play of beautiful football saw Dannielle Saunders put another powerful shot on goal that proved to hard for the Illaroo keeper to handle securing her second for the night.
After a really positive talk on the sideline the girls went straight back out ready to get the first win of the season. It seemed that coach Rod Kain’s famous shuttle and box runs proved their worth as the possession was heavily in our favour. Some really great work from Josie Rings saw her almost slot a few away, as well as Karyn Coleman putting on a few shots herself. Eventually Dannielle Saunders put another away for her well deserved hat trick.
Not long after Karyn Coleman was calm under pressure and slotted her first goal of the year (on her first game of the year) giving the girls the final result of 4-0.
After two heavy losses the girls should be extremely proud of how they gelled together. It was a really fantastic display of football and it seems they are going from strength to strength. Next week both Second Grade and First Grade are at home for the first time this year facing Callala which will be two very tough but great games.