Proctor Cup – Sutherland Strikers Tournament Report
Over the weekend, the Sutherland Strikers GSAP & GYL teams participated in the Proctor Cup. This tournament brought together a diverse range of teams, spanning from NPL to grassroots levels. It provided a valuable opportunity for each of our teams to foster camaraderie and unity, serving as a crucial bonding experience as they prepare for the forthcoming season.
Proctor Park Challenge 2024 – GSAP12
What a weekend Bathurst put on for us! The GSAP U12s certainly rode the roller-coaster that is the Proctor Cup through all its highs and lows.
The girls were able to finish Pool C undefeated with wins against some quality competition. The first game involved standing up to the Proctor Park locals Bathurst FC. This game gave us some time to really start connecting as a newly formed team, finishing the game 3-1. We then had a super fast and physical encounter with Newcastle Olympic. A 2-0 lead was not enough with our competition drawing the game with not long to go. Luckily we were able to secure the win with a goal nearing the full-time whistle. Early Sunday morning we found ourselves on a cold and wet pitch while many others were still in bed to come up against Turramurra Kissing Point. By this point in the competition, we were humming like a well-oiled machine and a 3-0 win followed.
We then had a couple of hours to shape up against the ever-quality competition that is APIA Leichhardt and the cold wet morning gave way to a hot dry day with us all seeking shade where we could. Neither team gave an inch in this game. It was physical, it was intense and at the end of two halves not a goal had been scored. It was toward the end of this game that we were informed that a 0-0 score would lead to a penalty shootout. Whatever intensity the game had, the shootout had more and with some spectacular shots on goal, and some super saves by our keeper Alannah we didn’t even need our 5th penalty shot and progressed to the next round. Full credit to APIA, they were more than gracious in defeat, and as exciting as winning in this manner is, we recognised the heartbreak of losing in the same circumstance.
An hour in the heat later we were up against Bulls Academy for a place in the final. I think it is fair to say that by this point on a ridiculously hot day, having just had the game we had, it was an uphill fight against the elements. The team were brave and held the opposition scoreless through the first half. With 20 seconds to go in the second, we were planning our line-up for another penalty shootout when in a moment Bulls Academy were awarded a penalty. As the time ticked over they took a touch, cracked a shot and took the game from us 1-0. A moment of ‘so close yet so far’, but what an affirming weekend for the team against quality competition in trying conditions.
We are now eagerly awaiting the 2024 season, confident in our abilities and how we can perform as a team.
The girls and parents would like to send a huge thank you to Mel our guest coach for the weekend. Your leadership and guidance were greatly appreciated by all. You were amazing.
Proctor Park Challenge 2024 – GSAP13
Game 1 – vs Belconnen (1-1)
As dawn broke over the playing fields the girls assembled for their first game of the Proctor Cup, nervous but excited for their first match.
A completely new team with only a few training sessions under their belt, the girls took to the field against Belconnen. The early morning start was tough but the girls quickly found their groove.
Our forwards across the two halves led a strong front – Chloe, Kayla, Sophia, Maddi, Kayla
During the first half, Kayla our centre forward had a fantastic run from mid-field straight for the goal, easily skirting around Belconnen’s Defence to pocket a goal perfectly taking the score to 1-0.
Belconnen came back with a goal of their own. But with stellar Defence from Sophie, Ivy, Sienna and Grace C, Belconnen were prevented from scoring on several occasions for the rest of the game.
It was a good result for the team for our first game on day 1 of the comp.
Viv our Goalie led a cheer for Belconnen post-match in a show of great sports womanship with the team adopting this after each game during the comp which made us all proud to be Sutherland Strikers.
Game 2 – vs Albury/Wodonga (0-0)
Nil all result didn’t reflect the game the girls played – dominating the entire match and having many attempts on goals that unfortunately didn’t find the mark. Strong effort at the front by Grace C, Tahlia, Layla, Sienna, and Evelyn over the two halves.
Midfields (Sophie, Maddi, Grace S and Ivy) blocked a lot of passes from the opposition and had great possession of the ball. They created many opportunities for our forwards, passing great balls to score but we couldn’t quite get there.
Our opponents didn’t have many opportunities on goal due to our great defence line up over both halves – (Evelyn, Jemima, Kayla, Chloe and Sophie)
With Viv an ever-present dominating figure in her goalie box, the game ended 0-0
Game 3 – vs Charlestown (2-1)
The girls had been keeping track of the Draw on Drbl and we arrived for game 3 of the day feeling like we had a tough game ahead of us playing Charlestown who had a couple of wins under their belt and were top of the Draw at that point.
The team came out strong with good passing, pushing and keeping our opponent in their half.
Midfield (Kayla, Ivy, Grace C, Evelyn, Chloe) created many opportunities with solid passes to our forwards (Sienna, Jemima, Evelyn, Kayla)
Early in the game (5 minutes) Sienna our left Forward scored a goal off of our corner getting the team off to a strong start.
The team were elated when Sienna did it again scoring out the second goal of the match within the first half of the game.
Our Defence used plenty of jockeying technique to fend their Forwards from getting close to our goal to good effect.
Charlestown managed to get one past Viv bringing the score to 2-1.
The pressure was on to stop Charlestown from scoring again during the second half – the girls stepped up their game a notch and fought to the end keeping the score 2-1
The girls finished on a high on day 1 in what was a thrilling game where every player gave it their all.
Game 4 – vs Northbridge (1-0)
We heard this team had lost or drew all of their previous matches but the girls weren’t going to let their guard down for a minute. We knew we had to win this match to be in with a chance to make the qualifying round.
The team came out strong and kept up the pressure the entire game, yet again dominating on the field.
Our forwards had a tough time with Northbridge’s staunch back line of Defence, booting the ball back down every chance they got.
Eventually, the hard work and persistence paid off with Grace C scoring a goal to the whoops and cheers from the team and subs on the sideline.
Viv our fierce Goalie displayed level-headedness, never losing her cool in the box, saving goals and delivering superb goal kicks.
QF match – vs St George (4-0)
The girls faced a bigger and more experienced opponent in the St George U14 team in our QF match at 1:50 pm
The game kicked off with St George dominating with great passing, and possession of the ball and they were fast. This was a game to test the girls.
At times we left the midsection open to allow St George’s forwards to score a couple of top bins during the first half – just out of reach of Viv.
Our midfield fought hard to pass the ball down to our forwards. Our forwards had a few chances towards goal but St George defence were strong.
The girls doubled down on their efforts and never gave up but we were unfortunately trumped 4-0
A few St George girls came over after the game to congratulate the team on a valiant effort and how impressed they were with how the team played.
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We ended our run on what was a fantastic weekend of football, friendship and team bonding.
It was disappointing to be knocked out and go home, but the experience during the Cup will stay with the girls and put them in good stead for the coming season.
The cohesion and camaraderie of the team was cemented.
Special thanks for Coach Mel for stepping in to train and coach the girls for the weekend as Coach Phil couldn’t be there. Thanks to Coach Zac who trained/coached the girls for two of their games. The team is extremely grateful for their expertise and guidance over the weekend
Proctor Park Challenge 2024 – GYL15
We arrived at Proctor Park bright and early on a cool morning, for our first game of the tournament against Adamstown Rosebud. This was the first real hit out for our newly formed GYL15s side under coach Zac. Zac encouraged the team during the warm up and with a last minute pep talk before we took the field. The girls played some really good football and were unfortunate to go down 1-0 just after half time, to a penalty that could have gone either way. The girls kept fighting, and with Kelly on hand to put away the goal that gave us the draw.
After a big break, we prepared for our second game against a strong NPL1 side, Blacktown Spartans. It was a very strong display from the girls in blue, who played their hearts out against a very physical side. Only going down 1-0 to a goal that was deflected in.
After a great team dinner, the team headed off for some well-deserved rest before another early start on Sunday. In our last pool game, we played against a very strong and physical Lilli Pilli side from our own Sutherland Association. Our girls created some great scoring chances in the first half but just couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net. In the end, Lilli Pilli scored a great breakaway goal to take the win 1-0.
Overall, it was a great performance from our girls, who are already working well together, Zac has them heading in the right direction. Looking forward to great things to come this season.
Proctor Park Challenge 2024 – GYL16
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