Successful rep debuts for U12 Girls at state football championships

PROMISING Medowie FC juniors Alice Pegg, Olivia Pacevski and Gracie Warrick are relishing a perfect start to their representative soccer careers.

The talented trio formed part of the crack Newcastle 12 years Girls team that lifted the Community State Youth Championship trophy recently at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

Under the expert guidance of leading Medowie FC coaches Sam Ross and Felicity Pacevski, the squad overcame a short preparation for their first ever representative tournament to bring home the silverware.

Emerging defenders Alice and Gracie and gifted striker Olivia turned in strong performances as Newcastle toppled Macquarie 3-1 in the championship Grand Final to cap memorable campaigns.

Experienced mentor Ross told News Of The Area that the girls “connected from the outset” and built a winning momentum through their natural skills, tenacity and strong work ethic.

“They were a pleasure to coach and made the most of their initial taste of junior representative football,” beamed well-credentialled Sam, who coaches the all conquering Medowie FC Under 13 Boys team in the Newcastle Inter District Youth competition.

After losing their first match against Macquarie 2-1 in the preliminary rounds, the Newcastle girls hit their straps and found their groove to thump Hunter Valley 6-0 and 2-0, and Macquarie 3-0 in their return clash.

“Felicity and I tweaked our combinations and reverted to a proven 4-4-2 formation which paid dividends,”said the astute tactician.

The team was superbly led by inspirational skipper Indianna Eccles, an outstanding Tilligerry FC prospect who shows a maturity that far belies her years.

Indianna proved a tower of strength in the central midfield with Stockton FC junior Maggie Redman – both producing skilful performances to help maintain Newcastle’s dominance.

Just as impressive were the talented Pegg and top Merewether FC prospect Milly Finnane at centre back with dynamo Milly later named in the official Team of the Tournament.

The gifted Finnane was coach Sam’s choice as Newcastle’s Player of the Tournament after her superb displays throughout the coveted northern NSW championships.

“Millie and Indianna were standouts and showed keen judges that they have bright futures in the sport,” Ross said.

Both Olivia and Gracie feature in the Medowie FC Under 12 Girls side while Alice is a key member of the club’s Under 12 Mixed squad.

Other players to impress in Newcastle’s championship-winning Under 12 Girls outfit were Merewether’s Grace Cornwell, Chloe Criss and Lola Thomson; South Wallsend duo Ella Andrews and Claire Grabda; Mayfield’s Meka Mason and Chloe Ware plus Cooks Hill FC junior Molly Barratt.

By Chris KARAS