With just five seconds left on the clock, it had all the makings of a great cliff hanger - the Redbacks Ladies and Kempsey Saints were tied at 0-0 after 80 minutes of soccer, and 19 minutes of extra time.
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Kempsey Saints had one last corner, one last opportunity before a penalty shootout. But it was with this last chance that Kempsey capitalised, and finally took home the win in Week 2 of the finals.
What had preceded this goal was some great soccer, inspired by months of training, and driven by determination and self-belief that with nothing to lose, there was everything to be gained.
The Redbacks Ladies had put on a fine show of skill and sportsmanship. Joanne Jones and Louisa Bailey were unstoppable upfront, chasing down every ball and making opportunities out of nothing. Midfielders Wade Bellamy and the injured Sami Dunk worked tirelessly in the middle, challenging, controlling and feeding every ball which came their way. Paris Gibson, Kailey Boyan and Sophie Rourke (before being taken from the field injured), created countless opportunities down the sidelines and were a constant threat, as were Caitlin Harris and Pauline Hearne who interchanged between the midfield and the forwards. Defenders Sherena Buttsworth, Sienna Buckley, Alicia Bales and Renae Slade put in such a strong effort, that keeper Tamara Burns was rarely pressured.
Whilst the final result was tinged with disappointment for the Redbacks, Coach Jose Ustariz was singing nothing but praise for the team.
"We have had such a great season. When we started off, we barely knew eachother, and struggled to get a win. Yet here we are in the finals, taking the game to literally the dying seconds - I'm so proud of this team and everything they have achieved."
Though the loss brings to an end the 2014 season for the ladies, the First Grade men will kick off their finals campaign this weekend, hopefully at home (details to be confirmed). The Senior Presentation is also booked in for Saturday 11th October, where we hope to see as many players, supporters and sponsors there to say thank you for another great season.