The two teams played off last week with Thurgoona registering a resounding victory. However, with a few players returning to the team the Murray Felines were ready to take the game on.
The Felines versus Bulldogs final was the first game of four finals for the day for a showcase of female football. The Whorouly ground was surprisingly in good condition however there was heavy dew over the ground at the start of the first final which made cause the ball handling to be quite a challenge.
From the bounce the Felines were immediately onto the attack with Sophie Nicholson narrowly missing an opportunity to kick the first goal for the day. However, for the next two quarters it was the Thurgoona Bulldogs who settled better and had cleaner use of the ball around the packs. At halftime, Thurgoona took the most of their opportunities and held a three goal to zero lead over the Felines.
After halftime, the Felines lifted their intensity and played their way back into the match. A clever boundary line goal by Sophie Nicholson got the team on the scoreboard and this was soon followed up by a number of good passages of play by the Felines, with Caitlin Somerville kicking an opportunistic goal from the square. Against the play, the Bulldogs were able to settle with a goal as a result of some good running play. At three quarter time, Bulldogs were 11 points up.
In the last quarter, the Felines lifted again and dominated possession of the ball. A great goal to Yasmine Budic running through the 50m brought the Felines within a straight goal. The last eight minutes was tense as the Felines dominated forward possession but could not take advantage of their opportunities. The Bulldogs were also able to counter attack on a number of occasions but some great defensive work by Stella Morrison and Bree Wojtowyez held the Bulldogs out.
Unfortunately, the final siren sounded with the Felines unable to complete the comeback. The Felines played their hearts out today and went down to Thurgoona by a nail biting 2 points.
While they are now out of the finals for 2019, they can hold their heads very high knowing that each and every one of them did their best.
Murray Felines 3-7-25 def by Thurgoona 04-03-27
Goals: Sophie Nicholson 1, Caitlin Somerville 1, Yasmine Budic 1.
Best: Mackenzie Lewis, Caitlin Somerville , Yasmine Budic, Abbie Hetherington, Sophie Nicholson, Brooke Smith, Mietta Habets.
It has been a great year for the Felines. The senior team improved out of sight during the course of the year and were able to push the top of the ladder teams during the second half of the season. The under 16s reached the finals with many of the team members playing their first season of football. The Felines would like to thank their coaches for the season; Darren Simpson and Brad Nicholson and also the team managers; Nadine Simpson and Nadine Nicholson. These two families’ commitment to the Felines was outstanding.
It has been a great year with many highlights and enjoyable moments. The club would like to thank the parents who have given the teams great support during the season. Finally the players themselves need to be congratulated in the spirit they trained and played throughout the season.
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