LAST weekend saw the culmination of the South East Women’s Football Association (SEWFA) Pink Ribbon Cup for both the Senior and Under 15.
A cheque for $500 was proudly presented to Breast Cancer Awareness, with the funds having been raised during the competition.
The first game for the day was the Under 15 match between Gambier Centrals and Apollo City.
This was then followed by the senior clash, which saw rivals Gambier Centrals and United go head-to-head in a rematch of last year’s premiership match.
Seniors
United 3 d Gambier Centrals 1
THE senior match-up between Gambier Centrals and United in the 2018 SEWFA Pink Ribbon Cup grand final lived up to expectations, with the game stuck in a deadlock at the final siren.
United started the game with the strong wind to its favour, but Centrals attacked early.
A solid shot on goal from Tracy Long was denied by an excellent save from United goal keeper Richelle Huntly.
The first break came for Centrals when a shot in a congested penalty area was stopped by United’s defence and the ball spilled out.
Centrals’ Kiah Connolly was well positioned for the second attempt and slotted the ball in for the first score of the match.
But Centrals was unable to break away on the scoreboard, with the tough battle continuing at both ends.
The last five minutes of the half saw United press hard and attack well, but it was unable to convert before the break and Centrals led 1-nil at half time.
Returning from the break, United’s Huntly continued her outstanding work as keeper when she left the goals to block a shot from Long, who had brought the ball within shooting range.
United’s determination finally paid off when Ella Firth won the ball after a strong tackle on a Centrals’ opponent.
Firth’s shot from long range went over the outstretched hands of the keeper for the equalising goal.
The remaining time was a desperate battle between the two sides.
The final whistle saw the match a one all draw, requiring 10 minutes each way of extra time to be played.
The extra period passed with both teams having opportunities to score, but unable to capitalise.
This saw the match remain a draw and, after a valiant effort from both teams, penalties were required to determine the winner.
The resulting penalty score of 3-1 in United’s favour saw the side take out the Pink Ribbon Championship for 2018.
Under 15
Apollo City 2 d Gambier Centrals 0
THE Under 15 cup final proved to be a tough and enthralling match.
A high-intensity game saw keepers at both ends tested at regular intervals, but towards the end of the first half was when Apollo City made its break.
The eventual victors opened the scoring through Adele Wilkinson from the penalty spot.
Wilkinson then added a second goal with a solid free-kick from outside the penalty area shortly after to secure the game-winning margin of 2-0.
With the wind behind them Centrals attacked hard in the second half as it attempted to claw its way back into the game.
Kiah Connolly and Kate Seaton led from the front and posed a constant threat for their opponent.
But Apollo City’s defence stood tall with Emily Edwards and Grace Bersee leading the way.
Both teams gave their all in the second half, but at the final whistle the scores were unchanged and Apollo City claimed the title.
Other Centrals players to catch the eye were Emma O’Callaghan, Sheridan Sakkers and Ellie Seaton, while for Apollo City Lara Jolley, Isobel Fewster and Yasmin Elliott were some of the best on ground.
