2020 champions Urunga pick up where they left off in season opener Coffs Coast Sport News Of The Area by News Of The Area - Modern Media - April 22, 2021 Willow Neal on a mazy run to level the score at 1-1. IN a repeat of last year’s grand final, Urunga Raiders overcame the Boambee Eagles 4-2 in the first round of the women’s first division to start the 2021 campaign where they left off in 2020. For almost an hour the two strongest teams on the Coffs Coast cancelled each other out until Casey Cowgill opened the scoring for Boambee with a penetrating run and composed finish. Urunga were quick to respond when Willow Neal went on a mazy run and rifled the ball into the bottom corner of the net to square the contest for Urunga. When Bronte Wall went down with an ankle injury, a compassionate Boambee player ran to the sideline for an umbrella to shelter her opponent whilst she received treatment from coach Trevor Martin in the pouring rain. Perhaps it’s these moments of camaraderie that have contributed to the growth of female football on the north coast and this gesture of kindness was worthy of any FIFA Fair Play Award. Although Urunga were forced to play most of the second half with only 10 players the defending champions showed their class as they scored three more goals through Lulu McGrath, Kate Fry and Sheree Boland with Kylie McDonald scoring for Boambee to finish the game 4-2 and 3 points to the defending champions. Boambee coach, Neil Witherdin praised Urunga and took out positives from the opening game of the season. “Basically Urunga have started the season where they finished last season with a very polished performance. “We had our chances in the game and managed goals scored by Kylie McDonald and Casey Cowgill. “For our first game of the season we were able to take some positives out of the game, but Urunga have set a standard for all other teams to chase, but we will still look forward to the challenge,” said Witherdin. Urunga coach Trevor Martin finished his match report on a high note. “Brilliant start to the season, outstanding individual performances from every player and we will improve as the new players begin to gel and the team becomes more cohesive,” he posted. Urunga Raiders host Maclean Bobcats on Saturday 24 April at 3pm and the Woolgoolga Wildcats host the Boambee Eagles at 3pm on Saturday. By David WIGLEY Jessica Snow with a diving save for Urunga. Camaraderie and compassion in women’s football. Willow Neal goal celebration. Urunga and Boambee in a repeat of last year’s grand final. Urunga pick up where they left off.
