Opening game for women’s football

ON a warm sunny Saturday afternoon the Thornton Eildon women’s football club welcomed the Wandin Womens football club to the Thornton Recreation reserve for their first match of the 2024 season.

After a three month pre season the girls were keen to finally put their skills to the test on game day.

Numbers were amazing with 23 of the 29 registered players available on the day which also included seven debutants.

The message from the coach, Tash Hay, was clear, asking for the team to be strong in communication, to protect each other and most of all to have fun.

Returning Captain Rose Kealy led the girls out followed by newly appointed vice captain Issy Weston who both had great games.

Wandin started strongly, kicking four goals in the first quarter as Thornton were unable to match the speed and skill of their opposition.

The girls regrouped at quarter time and with the bench completing some quick rotations the second quarter saw Wandin kick two more goals but again their defence was too strong and restricted Thornton to no score.

Suade Croad and Amy Campbell continued their good form from training and new player Leah Battalis showed strong commitment in defence.

The third quarter saw Thornton begin to work the ball around and a more physical presence from Teneille Collins and Kelly Fitzpatrick had Wandin second guessing themselves.

Thornton scored…

by Scott Whitehead

Image: The Thornton Eildon Women’s football team.