Six of Wagga’s most promising female footballing talents have once again showcased their skills with a eye-catching effort for the under 14s Country Riverina side last week.
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Competing at the Football NSW State Titles in Sydney, Wagga City Wanderers regulars Hannah Stevens, Ebony Warner, Piper Scott, Frankie Scott, Megan Castle, Tootsie Lamb were among the Riverina’s best en route to the side’s highest tournament finish in eight years.
The team recorded two wins, two losses and four draws to clinch equal fourth on the competition ladder and secure the overall Country Championship.
Coach Rod Buik, who also led Henwood Park to a Leonard Cup decider last month, was thrilled with the efforts of his young side.
“I think the team performed really well and we were unlucky not to get a few more wins in the end,” Buik said.
“The two sides we beat were actually above us on the ladder, so it shows we were playing some good football against some high quality sides.
“Quite a few of our players aren’t 14 either and we were up against some much bigger and very skillful girls.”
Their campaign opened with two draws on day one but things picked up with a 1-0 win over Met Far North and 1-1 result against Met North on day two.
Day three produced a 2-0 loss to Met East before the girls rallied for a 2-all draw with Met South.
On their final day of competition, the Riverina side produced a gritty 1-0 win over Met Far South before falling to eventual winners Met West 3-1.
“We actually led Met West 1-0 but we couldn’t hang onto it,” Buik said.
“Still, at the end of the day, we only finished two points off third place and I’d say the bulk of the squad would be around to play again next year.”
Wanderers player Piper Scott was also one of five players to be invited to trial for the Football NSW Institute of Sport despite being limited to just two halves during the tournament while Cootamundra product Anisa Rees was earmarked alongside team mates for the Ultimate Fiji Soccer Cup in 2019.
Buik is eager to reprise his role as under 14s coach next year and has already re-applied for the position.
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