The 15 years and under girls Football team is the area Champions for the second year in a row in the Bill Turner Trophy competition.

The competition involves over 400 schools, both public and private, from Queensland, NSW, ACT and Victoria. This puts them in the final 32 in the competition. On their way to becoming Area Champions they have defeated Dorrigo HS 5-0, Coffs Harbour HS 6-2, McAuley Catholic College Grafton 4-1 and finally John Paul College 2-1.

The game was a close affair from start to finish. The girls from JPC were keen, aggressive and fast to the ball, however, the Bellingen girls stuck to their passing game and it paid off with a number of close chances during the first half. At the other end of the pitch JPC attempted a number of long shots which keeper, Gita Pastro, had well covered. The narrow field meant there was always pressure in the midfield and midfielders Jess Marks and Sam Barker, ably supported by Millie King and Alex Jandzio Fry, got through a ton of work. Half time came and the score was still nil all.

The second half started and Bellingen was on top feeding passes to make a number of opportunities. Finally a raid paid off. Sam Barker fed a great ball to Katie Thorn who beat her player played back to Sam in the centre just outside the 18 yard box who cracked it at the goal. One of the JPC defenders put her hands up to stop the ball in the box and without hesitation a penalty was given. Sam made no mistake in converting it.

Finally, 1-0 however whether Bellingen relaxed or JPC picked up their game the balance of the game changed and JPC were on the attack. After sustained pressure JPC got one back and the scored was tied again. This seemed to pick up the Bellingen girls who again began to dominate. A through ball to Jayden Morgan finally paid off with Jayden’s never say die determination scoring her a goal. 2-1 the final score of a very closely contested game. Undoubtedly a well-deserved win for a great young team!

The Bellingen girls will now have to travel to Tenterfield to take on the winners of the North West Area, Tenterfield HS.

http://www.bellingencourier.com.au/news/local/sport/general/bill-turner-trophy-area-champions/2603055.aspx