Please assist our committee and register your team ASAP. For any further details and registration forms, email davidw@sf.nsw.gov.au
for more information.
We look forward to your participation.
NOMINATIONS AND PAYMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY 15th FEBRUARY
THERE was never any doubting that Coffs United were a good football team but now the Lions are only 90 minutes away from being named State Champions.
On Sunday at Sydney’s Valentine Park, the Lions blew the highly fancied Sans Souci team off the park 4-nil.
For their efforts, Coffs United now play in this Sunday's final against Central Coast team Wyoming who won their semi-final over Fairfield after a penalty shootout.
Hailing from the southern suburbs of Sydney, Sans Souci entered Sunday's semi-final as the warm favourites but they were placed immediately on the back foot when striker Ben Mackay put the Lions a goal up after only five minutes.
Kicking with the aid of a breeze in the first half, the Lions dominated play in the oppressive conditions but couldn't add to the scoreline before the break.
When the second half commenced, Coffs United showed their city counterparts how a team should play when kicking into the wind. While Sans Souci were happy to play the long ball, the Lions controlled possession with clean, crisp passing and hard running that saw Nathan Silvy and Anthony Wiseman provide plenty of opportunities for the hard working Mackay up front.
The local team were given an injection when the 16 year-old pair of Sam Galloway and Rory Dollard were introduced from the substitute's bench. Not only did these two give the team a much needed injection of enthusiasm and pace through the midfield, but they also put the match well into the Lions' keeping when each of them scored a goal to make the score 3-nil.
At this stage Coffs United knew that they were through to the final and a proud club president Paul Israel summed up the match in one sentence. "The other team were pretty experienced but our guys just ran them around basically," he said.
When Ryan Turner slammed in a 30 metre drive to score the team's final goal late in the match, the fat lady was well and truly singing and the boys were on their way to the final.
"We've got no injury worries and everyone's available," Israel said as he looked forward to this weekend's final. "I think we've got a very good chance. The Wyoming side looks a bit more experienced but our guys just seem to have a bit more run in them. "If we can play again like we did yesterday then we're in with a good shot."
One more win and the Lions will complete an undefeated season with a dream finish.
To acknowledge the crucial role of the goalkeeper in a football team and the unique skills required by goalkeepers, North Coast Football have developed a brand new cutting edge goalkeeping program.
It offers a range of specialist services within the speciality of goalkeeping.
The Goalkeeper is the most individual position on any sporting team.
They dress and look different.
Their main purpose is to prevent the very aim of the game - to score a goal.
A team coach has responsibility for 12 to 15 players so focuses their time on the needs of the 'most' & is often unable to meet the specialist needs of a goalkeeper.
The Goalkeeper is a specialist position requiring specialist skills and knowledge.
Specialist skills require specialist coaching methods.
Services offered by The NCF Goalkeeping Program:
For keepers:
:: Introduction to goalkeeping.
:: High intensity, specialist technique and fitness programs for male & female NCF rep keepers
:: High intensity, specialist technique and fitness programs for senior club keepers
:: Remedial medium - high intensity programs for club junior keepers
:: Girl only programs 'giving goalie a go'
:: Spring & Summer Programs
For Coaches:
:: Programs to assist coaches better understand the specific differences of the goalkeeper and better meet their specific needs.
On Sunday the NSW Football Champion of Champions take place at MacLean Street playing fields in Coffs Harbour and once again all clubs are encouraged to attend. Even if you don't have teams playing it would be great if you can be there to support your Zone. For information about the 2007 Champion of Champions competition, click on the following link: Champion of Champions
END OF SEASON CLUB CELEBRATION Finally some great news to end our 2007 season. NCF have arranged an end of season "break up" party to celebrate what has been an extremely successful season. I will send out an email attachment to all clubs later this week with an official invitation that I hope you will print out and distribute to all your Club Committee members, players, volunteers/supporters and people who have helped make your jobs easier in 2007.
This party is not only for the players but a great way to thank those who have helped run your club - I am sure most clubs will subsidise the cost for your valuable "helpers" and management committees.
The event will be held at the Coffs Harbour Ex-Services Club on Friday 19th October, starting at 7pm. We will run a free bus for the Clarence Clubs departing from Maclean's Ferry Park at 5.30 and South Grafton's Bus Interchange at 6pm. (Call Stewart in Grafton - 66 434 700 for details of the magic bus ride) The cost of entry to the "party" be $10 per person (payable at the door but I will need approximate numbers by end of this month). Finger food will be provided as will some drinks.
During the evening the draw for the 2008 Men's (Premier League) and Womens 1st Division teams will be made. We will also have some fun presentations and an opportunity to formally thank our supporters. It will not be a talk fest but more of a party where we can meet old friends, make new ones and say a big thank you to all who have helped both on and off the field in 2007.
Any questions please call or Stewart or myself.
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend at the Zone Championships and the Champion of Champions.
There is something about playing football in September that is redolent with the prospect of success. Last season the Raiders were able to capture First and Reserve Grade men's crowns and this year the Raiders were represented by 4 sides out of 6 teams, a good achievement in itself.
All Grand Finals were played at the Coffs International Stadium on the surface that must be the envy of every ground keeper in the state, certainly the Raiders ground staff were paying close attention.
The Under 17's youth side were first to play, that match against the Coffs Harbour Lions played last Friday night. With the Lions picking up the Minor Premiership and the Raiders running second the Lions had been installed as favorites but as the first half played out that fact was put to one side as the Raiders passing game flowed to give them the best opportunity of the first half when big Vinie Carty was able to get to a loose ball in the Coffs penalty area, his overhead kick seemed net bound beating the keeper, but cleared off the line by another defender.
The Lions seemed content to launch high balls into the Raiders penalty area and hope for a defensive error, with the wind blowing the tactic had merit and only alert selfless goal keeping from Nathaniel Schilter diffused these bombs.
The Raiders second scoring opportunity came from some excellent right side play after Drew McCoy slipped around two Coffs Players and fired in an inch (centimeter?) perfect ball for Justin Seelenmyer, whose shot was save by Luke Wiseman, the Coffs keeper. It would have been a good way to end a half that had the Raiders clicking together and looking the better of the sides.
The second stanza had a more desperate Lions outfit flying in to tackle anything in maroon and white with varying degrees of success. This defensive method nearly bought them undone after Marcel Tussie picked up a clever pass from his midfield partner Pat Kastener and moved to the right narrowly evading one tackle that might have put him into a different post code, the next defender however was more accurate and Tussie was cut down well inside the Lions area with the centre referee waving play on and this after Aiden McGovern hobbled off after being dealt with in similar fashion.
The Lions had many good opportunities in this half and only committed defence from Ben Dooley, Jack Mendham and Jarrah Duckhs kept them out it was scintillating end to end stuff that makes playing in September so good. With no score at the end of normal time extra time really tested the endurance of both sides and as the clock wound down the Raiders via Ben Dooley were nearly able to pinch the result after his shot curled toward the top corner only to be saved by Wiseman.
The game ended nil all - Coffs awarded the win courtesy of the fact that they were minor premiers.
The next team to play were the Women's Reserve grade who in a dominant performance from the whole team defeated Coffs Lionesses 2 nil. Sarah Marsden, Liz Wilkens, Allie Boswell, Donna Navin and Shannon Smylie all having top games.
The Men's Reserve Grade was another dominant display from the Raiders in all areas except the score board with the maroon and whites offering all the early attack and the Sawtell side seemingly overawed. Harry Gale, Allen Snow and Lee Kennedy were presented with several good opportunities created from some crisp one touch passing that will cause the best of defenses problems.
It was the Scorpions that scored first and second against the run of play, both in similar fashion - a long ball racked down field to put their attacker with an almost straight run to goal. At two down the Raiders hit back via Harry Gale when met a cross and emphatically headed in. It was a thumping header and one that gave the Raiders reward for what seemed their half.
The second stanza had the Scorpions again chasing shadows as Ben Dooley, Jackson Lindsay, and Andrew Pettit steered the side around the field. The equalizer came from the penalty spot after Sam Ireland drew a clumsy challenge from the Scorpions defender and Andrew Pettit converted from the spot.
Two all: 15 to go and the Raiders clearly on top, that is until 2 minutes from full time, the Scorpions were able to free their main striker who in a Steven Bradbury type run slapped in what was the winner. Heartbreak is all I can say.
The Raiders in all sides gave a good account of themselves and surely on another day would have taken the silverware but I suppose that is what playing in September is all about.
Don't forget the club's annual Presentation Night will be held at the Urunga Bowling Club on Saturday 13th October - tickets $20 must be prepaid (none will sold at the door), so contact Tom Campbell or Donna Navin for your ticket ASAP.
If you are interested in playing in this years popular Summer Six A Side Competition get your side or name in to Tom Campbell after you read this, as nominations have closed.
Finally bon voyage to the boss Breton and family as he heads to Europe to sign up our new striker Wayne Rooney!! Hope to see you all the preso... Go you Raiders!!
SUN 2/9:
1st Grade: 3rd v 4th Northern Storm 1 Boambee Bombers 1 (AET)
Northern Storm win on penalties 4-3
A capacity crowd never seen before at Korora witnessed a match-up of the newcomers Boambee and the first time finalists Storm.
They were not to be disappointed and from the tellytubby whistle Boambee showed they were up for a fight. They presented many opportunities early but the Storm keeper Palmer pulled off miraculous saves to eventually frustrate.
Quite against the play, a fast break by Jamie to Evan saw Luke Venn strike cleverly past the diving keeper. His sponsors were happy. 1-0 Storm.
Play was then camped in the Korora half but Brady Parker had another off day, which capitulated when he missed a penalty to bring some reward.
The second half opened much differently with Coach Glover obviously having the necessary effect at the break.
It was the Storms for the taking after great lead-up by Sam Page. It was not to be and eventually a 'Parker' free was smacked in the top corner and 'over the wall'. At last they said. 1-1. And so it was until full time.
In extra time the Storm were brilliant and could have scored 3 in the first stanza. Once again good keeping by Boambee promised an exciting shootout if it was to be. It was.
The crowd was definitely a factor all day, but in the sudden death shoot-out especially, and after 6 shots and no misses, it was the Bradster who psyched out the Boambee culprit and a wild shot missed. 4-3 in penalties.
The Storm were through to what should be an exciting double header at Sawtell Saturday night. Bad luck Boambee. Next year.
In Reserves, Storm play Urunga in the curtain raiser. After 2 defeats at the hands of the Storm, the Raiders will need to "pull a rabbit" to stop the rot. I don't think it's Easter.
A sunny day greeted both Boambee and Northern Storm at Korora on Sunday afternoon and a huge crowd waited eagerly in anticipation.
With the loser to bow out both sides started tentatively but it was soon apparent Storm coach Ian Glover had set Michael Turner a hard task to try and keep Brady Parker quiet. The Bombers had all the running in the first 20 minutes but poor finishing, a problem they have had all year would again prove their nemesis. Missed shots in front of goal by Ben Alloway, Jason Hart and Brady Parker were causing their supporters concern. With at least 4 clear opportunities missed all of a sudden the Storm gained momentum and an attacking raid saw Josh Davies latch onto a miss kick in the Bombers backline to see them go ahead 1 nil.
The Bombers then set about to draw level but again couldn't find the target as keeper Brad Palmer and wayward shots kept Boambee at bay. Then a penalty was awarded inside the box to the Bombers and the crowd were sure the equalizer was coming, but Brady Parker pushed the shot wide, the Storm survive. Halftime 1 nil to Storm.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with Bombers squandering even more chances but at least they were doing all the attacking. Time and time again Brad Palmer was confronted with Boambee attackers but the shots were off target. The Bombers were awarded a free kick 25 metres out and as he has done so many times this season Brady Parker stepped up and this time made no mistake giving keeper Palmer no chance to level the scores.
The Storm then set about attacking but all shots were annulled by keeper Jake Stitt and he the set the Bombers on the attack either through Wade Parker or Jason Hart but the winning goal would not come. Fulltime 1 all and extra time was on the agenda.
Following the break the Storm seemed to be the fresher and constantly attacked and only great judgement by Jake Stitt kept the scores level. Daniel Mill and Keiran Gallagher pushed forward for the Bombers but still could not find the target. Extra time finished and still no result.
The penalty shootout started and the Storm with great crowd support seemed the more confident especially given the Bombers day so far. This proved to be right with the shootout going the way of the Storm 4 to 3.
Statistics revealed the Bombers had 30 shots to the Storm's 6 on the day but failed to convert. Football can be very cruel and today the gods were not with Boambee.
Man of the Match for Boambee was Keiran Gallagher and the Storm couldn't separate Brad Palmer and Michael Turner.
The Storm must now regroup to take on Sawtell next Saturday night in what will be a very fast paced affair.
For the Bombers they have had an excellent season and congratulations must go to all concerned in the club from the coaching staff and team managers right down to the tireless workers on the committee and the canteen staff. As far as the players go in all senior grades the experience of 2007 will put them in good stead for next season and all are welcome back in the new year. Well done everybody.
- Report by Rob Manning
President
Boambee F.C.
Reserve Grade: 3rd v 4th Coffs United Lions 2 Urunga Raiders 3
On Sunday the Urunga Raiders Reserve Grade side played the Lions in a Grand Final replay at Korora. This match was full of the semi final effort that gets bums on seats, the first half saw both sides having as real go while the Lions were content to fire in long range shots, the Raider were content to move the ball around and craft good scoring opportunities.
The first goal came 15 minutes in courtesy of the dreaded penalty kick after Brian Thomasson apparently hand balled in the penalty area, the play being pulled back for the successful shot by Coffs Harbour's evergreen Mike Smith. The Raiders hit back not long after though when Allan Snow weaved his way down the right flank, boned the fullback and passed to Lee 'butter bean' Kennedy who stroked in the equalizer.
This lifted the Raiders as scoring often does with Ben Dooley and Jackson Lindsay instrumental in several attacking forays through the midfield. This constant pressure saw Coffs Harbour's normally reliable Brett Adams fluff a pass back to his keeper that was pounced on by Snowy just over the half way line, the snowman got a shot on target that was well saved by the Coffs keeper but rebounded to Andrew Pettit who danced around one defender and cleverly chipped in to give the Raiders a 2-1 lead at the break.
The second half had the Raiders straight back into the attack, Damian Fuller narrowly missing a far post header and Matise Thiering shooting at the keeper from close rage. You sensed that the Lions were fading faster than the promise of a Costello tax cut, it was a hot day & the Raiders seemed to have that bit extra foot speed.
So with 10 minutes left it was a fast break that caught the Raiders with their pants down as from a Raider corner kick the Lions reefed the ball down field, only to be picked up by the Coffs striker who rounded Brian Thomasson like he was a light pole and slapped in the equalizer. Six minutes to go and the prospect of extra time which in the heat no one wanted, the Raiders needed something.
So when the ball fell to Dave Newton from a Raider corner you just knew it was going to be 'hammer time' as he crashed in a shot that could have landed in the swimming pool at Opal Cove but instead crashed into the back of the Coffs net - game over.
It was a great result for the Raiders and one that will give the team and coach Tom Campbell a lot of confidence as they head into the elimination final against Northern Storm. This match will probably be 5pm Saturday night at Toormina (you might have to check that).
Finally congratulations to Phillpa Saggus and Bradd Danzey who both became parents last weekend with the birth of their hopefully straight legged baby boy - well done guys. Next weekend promises to be a big one for the Raiders hope to see you on the side line in maroon and white to cheer on the teams... Go you Raiders!!
On Sunday, the Crown Hotel Westlawn Tigers took the blue bus to Woolgoolga for their last round match of the North Coast Premier League against the Woolgoolga Wolves.
Coming into the match, just one point out of the top four, the Wolves had it all to play for in the hope of results going their way elsewhere. The Tigers, coming off a good win the previous weekend, were not going to lay down for them either. With the assistance of a strong southerly wind, the Tigers pushed Woolgoolga hard in the first half, putting in some good moves up the flanks and cutting the balls back for shots however the Wolves keeper, Naamon Whitemen, held the shots out.
The second half was a reverse of the first with the Wolves using the wind to dominate field position although Westlawn took more second half chances than the Wolves had in the first. The Wolves however had the better of the shots in the second half but some spectacular reflexes from Brad Robertson with knees, hands and some amazing dives, denying the Wolves from scoring and dashing their finals hopes.
Despite the 0-0 final score it was a thrilling game of defence and attack to the end. Terry Stuart, a former state representative coach at junior level, praised the now routine heroics of Brad Robertson, showing again he is the best keeper in the Premier League, and Tyron Morgan who put in a superb performance with many damaging runs going forward from the backline. Matt Cheney won the man of the match with his tireless effort at centre back and a never say die attitude in defence while Jamie Pitkin and Reggie Burley played their hearts out up front for the Tigers.
The players were well supported by the vocal group of Grafton spectators. When a Wolves player was presented a card by the referee late in the second half, the Peter Fysh / Matt Dougherty lead choir sang a rousing rendition of happy birthday to the player.
The Crown Hotel Tigers Premier Reserves also had a hard fought but scoreless match against the Wolves in their earlier clash. Woopi had first use of the breeze and pressed the stand in keeper, Jason Cheney, several times but he held a clean sheet. The Tigers also had their opportunities in the first half but it wasn't until the wind was at their backs in the second that they dominated play and held field and ball possession but just failed to nail the winner.
Craig Phelps won the man of the match with outstanding control and leadership on the field while Jay Nott continued his run of impressive appearances in the Premier Reserves with mistake free football and some great distribution under pressure.
The Tigers will gather at the Crown Hotel for their senior presentation on Saturday 8th September from 7pm to close out the season. The junior presentation is set down for 10am Sunday 16th September at the greyhound track.
A must win for the Storm at Korora saw nervousness expounding from the whistle. Valley had proved a thorn for all opponents in recent weeks and showed much grit again.
Chances were presented including open goals but the Storm could not convert. It wasn't until a Luke Venn snap at the 30 minute mark that the Storm breathed more easily. Valley rallied and some individual brilliance was soon rewarded by 'Johnny' Peawkwumdee charging through 2 Storm defenders to slot past an unprotected Brad Palmer in goal.
1-1 at the break and the Storm were desperate for some 2nd half continuity. A missed penalty by the Storm could prove costly.
The second opened as the first and near misses were compounding the frustration, but it felt only a matter of time and King Don would have his way with another round of bacon sandwiches next week in the semis. Evan provided the sauce, the sealer, and after good lead up by Porter it was confirmed.
Best: Michael Turner.
The Storm had made the finals for the first time and will be a force to be reckoned with. In reserves, an 8-0 drubbing put the youngsters in the major semi and confident to go all the way. Best: Marty Skinner with 3 stunning goals...
There was no doubt in the minds of Woolgoolga players that this game was another make or break moment. After taking all three points from Urunga last week, Woolgoolga faced the daunting task of travelling to Toormina under lights to take on the second best team in the comp - a team which beat them convincingly at Woopi earlier in the season.
To make matters worse, Woolgoolga was relying on Northern Storm continuing its recent good form and preventing Boambee taking any points in the match being played at Ayrshire Park at the same time. There were quite a few mobile phones being used during these games. It was 'last day of the season' stuff.
Sawtell played this game to their strengths; speed and skill. The Scorpions dominated possession in the opening period, but the Wolves managed to keep the sheet clean.
But at the 25 minute mark a very clever chip over a squared up Woopi defense found Matt Parkins steaming onto the ball & he made no mistake slotting the ball home against the advancing Wolves' keeper. Sawtell didn't let up and only poor finishing prevented more goals before half time. The Wolves' defence was cracked open on several occasions, but they scrambled well and managed to keep the score at 1 nil at the break.
Wolves' coach Skip Hender gave a passionate speech in the sheds and asked the boys to leave everything they had out on the pitch over the remaining 45 minutes. It worked, but not in the short term because in the 47th minute a botched back pass was intercepted by Scorpions' striker Daniel Clements and it was two nil.
At this point the Wolves could either drop their heads or fight back. They chose to fight. They began to dominate possession and played to their potential until full time.
In the 65th minute, a precision free kick from Mark Coster found an unmarked Craig Gralton on the far post & his first time volley ripped into the back of the net. It was a continuation of the incredible striking prowess the Wolves showed against Urunga the week before.
The equaliser came in the 76th minute when a goal mouth scramble after a corner saw the ball fall to Mark Coster who calmly steered the ball into the net. At 2-all and with so much at stake, this game turned into a pulsating affair which brought the crowd to its feet in vocal support and appreciation.
With the clock ticking down, another deft ball from Mark Coster found an unmarked Ryan Zelvis whose first time flick eluded the keeper & flew inches over the bar. It was agonising, but just as Sawtell wasted chances in the first half which could have stretched the lead, now the Woopi fans had to endure a couple of missed opportunities which could have given them the win.
When the full time whistle blew, it was locked at two-all and these two teams had given the crowd everything they came to see. However, not long after, Woolgoolga learned Boambee had beaten Northern Storm and moved into third position on the ladder. This was not the result Woolgoolga needed because it means Boambee do not necessarily need to beat Coffs Lions in the last round to take a finals spot.
Mathematically, Woolgoolga can still make it, but it will take something unusual. As unusual as the Wolves beating Westlawn Tigers by seven goals and the Lions beating Boambee by the same margin. Or if Valley United spring an unlikely win over Northern Storm, Woolgoolga could knock Storm out of fourth spot with as little as a draw. But the most likely scenario is that the Storm will win and go into third on 28 points while Boambee and Woopi will finish level on 27 points with goal difference sealing Woolgoolga's fate. However, Woopi and Storm could both lose leaving Urunga to take fourth.
All of the above are possible and that's how we like it, because it means everything will be decided on a dramatic last day of the regular season. Make sure there is credit on your mobile.
Just when you suspected Woolgoolga's batteries had gone flat, out they come with a performance which has them thinking 'finals'. There is pride in the blue & white strip and it was on show Saturday night at High Street.
With four clubs within four points of each other, mathematically position 3 & 4 are up for grabs, but with the Raiders facing a bye next weekend, points away from home at Woolgoolga were essential if they were to defend their title this season. For the Wolves, this was the point of no return; win here or kiss the top four goodbye.
This was surely one of the most important matches of the round considering its significance. Would the Wolves wake from their winter slumber or would the Raiders continue their charge towards the premiership?
The game opened at a cracking pace & the Raiders, care of an early free kick wasted little time in putting the Wolves defence under pressure, but this was a different Wolves side to the one that folded before the Tigers last week.
Midway through the first period Woolgoolga was awarded a penalty for a foul on striker Ryan Zelvis. Captain Mark Coster hammered the ball into the back of the net to give the Wolves the lead.
This was just the start the Wolves needed, but it only prompted the Raiders to lift their own game. In the 40 minute mark they were rewarded with a penalty of their own when Grant Homes was fouled in the box. Andrew Pettit stepped up & made no mistake. Scores remained locked at 1 - 1 at the break with no indication of who would come out on top.
There was a sizeable crowd on hand and they were treated to some precision football, crunching tackles & absolute commitment from all players.
At the 55 minute mark the Woopi faithful were up out of their seats with a goal they could only dream of to break the deadlock. A precise far post cross from Craig Gralton found Navrin Deane at full steam and his first time volley was as good as it gets. It deserved a replay on the big screen, but only those at the game saw it rocket into the net despite Raiders' keeper Jakob Campbell getting a hand to it.
The Raiders applied all the pressure they could and a twist in the tale came with 25 minutes remaining when defender Tim Baston received his 2nd yellow card of the match & the Wolves were reduced to 10 men. Was this the opportunity that the Raiders needed? Would they finish over the top of the Wolves & put an end to their season or would the Wolves hang on and take the points?
The final period was heart pounding for both teams' fans. The Wolves, outnumbered, answered every challenge thrown at them through resolute defence & outstanding keeping from Naamon Whiteman.
The game took another turn with 15 minutes to go when the Raiders lost Paul Pomroy whose animated conversations with referee Phil Payne proved too much for the whistle blower. Off he went to the showers, leaving the Wolves a goal up and once again man-on-man.
At this point the Wolves started to dominate possession & although some players were exhausted they continued to pressure the Raiders defence & with the clock ticking down a free kick to Mark Coster found sub Scott Bourke unmarked on the far post & his first time volley cannoned into the post on its way into the back of the net.
And that's how it stayed; 3 - 1 to the Wolves and a resounding victory that was a pleasant surprise to their fans who have been patiently waiting for the real Woopi to show up, but who have never lost faith in them.
It has to be said that the Raiders played their hearts out to the final whistle & whilst the games between these two teams are always tough, they are always played in the true spirit of the game as seen by both teams heading off to a local watering hole for match presentations.
The Wolves now join the Raiders on 23 points with two rounds to go and facing Sawtell on Saturday under lights at Toormina, while their two rivals for fourth spot, Northern Storm and Boambee Bombers, face each other across the highway at Ayreshire Park.
The Wolves know they can now reach 29 points and a finals berth. With Boambee facing the Lions in the last round, the odds are starting to shorten in Woopi's favour as Northern Storm moves into third after a 1 all draw against the Lions.
But the Wolves do not have enough points yet. Can they take any from Sawtell on Saturday? Now that would make it interesting.
Final score: Woolgoolga Wolves 3 Urunga Raiders 1
Res grade: Woolgoolga Wolves 1 Urunga Raiders 0
Second Report... The Raiders finals aspirations took a decided turn for the worse on the weekend when they went down to a Woolgoolga outfit determined to revive theirs. At the business end of the North Coast Football Competition the makeup of the final four will probably be in doubt till the final whistle in two weeks time. Cold comfort for the Raiders however as they traveled up to Woopi hoping to cement claims on one of the finals berths only to be denied by the home side 3-1.
In a game that ended with two sent off - Woopi's Mark Baston for a second bookable offence 21 minutes into the second half and the Raiders Paul Pomroy for offering an alternate view to centre referee Phil Payne of an on field incident in the 30th minute of the same half, it began with a penalty shot for each side.
First for the home side when Ryan Zelvis was fouled in the Raiders penalty area, Mark Costa whacked in the opener for the home side. Then on 38 minutes the Raiders Andrew Pettit replied after Grant Homes was tackled clumsily in the Wolves penalty area.
It was a tense and unforgiving first half and a reflection of the commitment of the two sides.
The second half saw the game slowing as the mercury dipped to something negative (you gotta love these night games in winter!) Toby Francis though had an excellent one on one chance as the half opened to give the Raiders the ascendancy but after easily outpacing the defence, could not find a way past the Woopi keeper.
The home side replied swiftly and in 15 minutes had knocked in 2. The first from a low cross that was volleyed in by Ryan Zelvis from close rannge and the second a mirror of the first cross volley. At 3-1 down at the Raiders could not find a way back. Jaxen Heward went close with a dipping free kick but the points would go to the Wolves and see them move to equal fourth with the Raiders on 23 points each.
Now for the last two rounds analysis, Northern Storm look to have third spot locked up. Both Boambee and Wolves will have a say in who determines the final four but have two difficult matches. Boambee have Lions and Storm and Woolgoolga have Sawtell and Grafton. The Raiders have a bye this weekend and will require a big win in their last competition game against Coffs Coast Tigers if they are to be a chance.
In other results the U17's boys played a close 1-1 draw v Sawtell with Beau Wiggins scoring for the Raiders. Jim 'cabbage head' Fogarty freed from the shackles of keeper duties played well and was unlucky not to be on the score sheet his close range shot disappearing over the side line for a throwin. The Women's team continue to dominate with two wins and look set to go well in September.
Next weekend is a bye for the club and will see all members visit Coffs Harbour's premier restaurant SSS Barbeque Barns on Saturday night 7:00pm for a club dinner. All players/ supporters are welcome to this yearly event - call Tom Campbell 66 556 413 for more information. Go you Raiders...
Photo: 'Cabbage Patch Mk2' - an example of field in urgent need of upgrading
The competition is 11-a-side and open to female players 15 years or older
The Goalkeeper is the most individual position on any sporting team.
