THEY endured energy-sapping heat, smoke haze and a first-day setback, but a cohort of local female touch footballers have covered themselves in glory by winning the region’s biggest tournament.
Nelson Bay Neptunes’ triumphant U12 Girls outfit were crowned Peter Wilson Memorial Cup champions after producing spirited displays on the final day to bring home the title.
In heatwave conditions, the super-slick Neptunes defeated Singleton Storm 3–2 in an epic Grand Final drop-off at the Tomaree Sports Complex last Sunday to etch their names on a distinguished honour roll.
It was a second successive drop-off victory for the Nelson Bay whiz kids after the girls had earlier eliminated the undefeated Orange Thunder 3–2 in a crackerjack semi-final.
Outstanding middle prospect Zoe Peters was named Player of the Carnival.
She turned in skilful performances over the weekend and capped a memorable championship by scoring the winning try in a pulsating trophy decider.
Under the guidance of respected co-coaches Trent Colley, Cal Mitchell and Lisa Rawlins, the Neptunes overcame a hesitant start in the two-day event to lift the championship trophy on home turf.
“The girls dropped their focus in the early rounds after a positive start, but found their groove on the final day to power their way to victory,” an elated coach Colley told News Of The Area.
“After coming into the tournament with strong form at the Wallsend Junior Rep Gala Day, they maintained the rage by working hard and believing in each other — we are so proud of their efforts,” he added.
The girls blitzed Forster-Tuncurry Tornadoes 9–1, Taree 3–1 and Scone 4–0, but suffered losses to Newcastle City (4–2) and Dubbo (6–3) in the early rounds before downing Central Coast Dolphins 3–0 in a quarter-final.
Other Nelson Bay juniors to shine in a mighty team effort were exciting prospects Ayana Parker, Eden Colley, Emilia Mooney, Faith Earl, Havana Borg, Isla Trayling, Laylah Standing, Lukah Moyle, Luna Kneipp, Reegan Moyle, Remy Evans, Sailor Jenkins, Stella Schein, Eva Turner and Zalie Crispe.
In a big weekend for the Neptunes, the U14 Boys finished runners-up after an 11–2 Grand Final loss to Newcastle City Knights.
For the Nelson Bay side, it was the team’s only loss after two wins and two draws in the pool rounds and victories over Berkeley Vale Panthers (5–4) in a quarter-final and Wallsend Wolves (4–3) in a semi-final.
Nelson Bay U10 Boys and Girls squads reached the quarter-finals; the U14 Girls bowed out in the semi-finals after a 4–1 loss to Maitland Redbacks, while the U16 Girls succumbed to Orange 7–4 in their semi-final.
The Neptunes U18 Girls continued that trend by also advancing to the semi-finals, only to crash out after a 7–3 loss to Maitland.
Other age group champions and Grand Final results included: U10 Boys: Dubbo 11, Wallsend Wolves 10; U10 Girls: Doyalson Dragons 7, Wallsend 2; U12 Boys: Central Coast Dolphins 3, Peninsula 2; U14 Girls: Mudgee Mudcrabs 4, Maitland Redbacks 0; U16 Boys: Maitland 3, Orange Thunder 2; U16 Girls: Orange 5, Doyalson 4; U18 Boys: Maitland 4, Wallsend 3; and U18 Girls: Newcastle City 7, Maitland 5.
By Chris KARAS
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