Blayney defeat Canowindra High in soccer knockout

This became a thrilling encounter fought against a tough and well drilled opponent in Blayney High, on a hot Autumn day, on a bizarre field that resembled a cow paddock (complete with odour).

Blayney drew first blood early in the game.

Canowindra then replied with a resounding runaway goal that singed the net, scored by Janelle Zahra, who played the game of her life.

The girls kept the score to one all through most of the match with brutal defence from Bonny Wythes, Ebony Watson and Brittany Baker and an outstanding and at times miraculous performance by Kimberly Workman in goal.

Canowindra were unlucky not to score on more occasions with more onslaughts from Janelle, Taneil Thornberry and Gabrielle Upton. Caitlin Walker, Peta Edwards and Theika McNaught were excellent in their play making and they were well supported by Monique Jenart, Nicole Stevenson and Casey Edwards.

However in the ensuing attack, Blayney were able to score again against the run of play.

This was to prove the difference and our girls ran out of time to win the game back. This was a courageous effort from both sides and the day was finished off with a rewarding visit to the Blayney fun park for lunch followed by an evil trick played on Mrs Balcombe back at school.

Special thanks to Ashley Sevil (reserve sub) and team manager Teiya Thornberry for their assistance, as well as Angela Thornberry, Greg Walker and Mandy McNaught for their generous assistance with driving and team tactics.

OPEN GIRLS TOUCH

The Canowindra High School Open Girls Touch capped off a successful year by representing as district champions at the recent Western Region Carnival held at Wellington.

It is always an enjoyable day but difficult knowing that the State Champions are at the carnival and also in our Pool in the competition.

We started the day well leading Parkes for most of the first game but unfortunately let our concentration slip and went down 4‐2 in the final 5 minutes. Our game against state champs Orange was eventful.

We held them scoreless for a while but after that not even Bonny’s magnificent intercept could stop the onslaught of a very talented and fit team. We faced up to Canobolas for our next game and apart from a few dodgy calls we just couldn’t make the ball stick in our hands, again only going down by 2.

It had been a morning full of woe ‐ we had been competitive with many sides but had clearly left our best form on the fields at Molong and Boorowa. But then….our girls were asked to play an extra game against those players trialling for western region.

We passed, we wrapped, we stepped and we were basically on fire!! Even without Theika, Taneil and Janelle who were playing hot games as our opposition.

We had left the best until last and ended the day enjoying ourselves. Our younger team members were close to representative selection but didn’t quite make it.

Thanks again to our team of parent drivers/supporters‐ Greg, Alison and Mandy. It has been a pleasure to coach the girls this season and a real pleasure to see our small school competitive in the big wide world of touch football!!

Bring it on Oberon!!