MEET the Nelson Bay Bandits junior girls touch football team that defied the odds to earn championship glory.
In a phenomenal performance, the nimble nine upstaged their older and more experienced opponents the Wildfires to be crowned Junior Under 12yrs Girls Grand Final champions in the Nelson Bay Touch Football Association.
Under the expert guidance of husband-and-wife coaches Nick and Jade Buckton, the Bandits produced spirited victories in the run home to the finals before peaking at the right time of the season.
Blessed with natural skills, versatility and a fierce will to win, the enterprising Bandits stood up to be counted in the pressure moments to claim a deserved title.
For many of the girls it was a maiden premiership success and just reward for the hard work put in behind the scenes.
In an epic Grand Final at the Tomaree Sports Complex fields, the Bandits showed their champion qualities to sink the Wildfires 2-1 in a pulsating contest that flowed from end to end.
After a nervous start, the Bandits conceded an early try before buckling down to the task at hand.
Led by skilful middles Izzy Archer, Isla Trayling and Amarli Buckton the team used their pace, fleet footwork and silky passing to wear down the Wildfires in a true battle of attrition.
With dashing wingers and links in Evie Parkes, Faith Karas, Eva Wilson, Bree Price, Willow Earnshaw and Evie Howard lending solid support the Bandits stormed to victory over the competition favourites.
Three days earlier the girls booked a berth in the title decider with a resounding semi final triumph over the strong Eagles combination – another team more than twelve months their senior.
Coach Nick Buckton told News Of The Area that the group have developed in “leaps and bounds” over the past two seasons.
“The team is rich in talent and play with a maturity that belies their years,” quipped the astute coach, who brought in leading Nelson Bay touch football mentor Jon Peters to assist with preparation on the eve of the finals.
Turning point for the Bandits in a competitive Juniors division was the team’s gritty win over the previously undefeated Wildfires in the latter stages of the competition.
“The girls grew in self belief after that win and never looked back,” he proclaimed.
By Chris KARAS
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