A VALIANT semi-final performance by the Nambucca Strikers ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to the Corindi Breakers last Saturday, bringing the 2022 season to a close.

Club coach Rhys Jones provided match insights into how the match unfolded.

“This was a winner take all clash, with the winner advancing to the grand final and the loser seeing an end to their season,” he said.

“Strikers started the more adventitious of the two teams, pushing the ball forward at every opportunity, stretching the Corindi defence with their width and pace.

“The back four of the strikers were stretched for the first 30 minutes allowing both outside backs to join the midfield and exert more pressure on the opposing team.

“In games like this one you need to take your opportunities on goal, a swift move down the right found Clay Urquhart running into space from the deep, perfectly timed ball beat the slow defence, allowing Urquhart to slot the ball home passed the keeper leaving a bewildered Corindi defence wondering – 1-0 Strikers,” Jones said.

But the Strikers’ joy was short-lived as the Breakers quickly scored to square the ledger.

“Corindi got back up and soon equalised after a goalmouth scramble which found the back of the net,” Jones said.

Despite the Strikers having the better of the half, the sides went into the break at 1-1.

As the game wore on, tensions increased, with the crowd on the edge of their seats.

With fifteen minutes, Corindi won a corner following a long run down the left hand side.

“After a penalty area game of pinball, the ball found the back of the Strikers net – 2-1 to Corindi,” Jones said.

A Corindi player then received a red card for an off-the-ball incident straight after the goal.

“With ten men, Corindi, like so many times before, found something extra and held out until the end,” he said.

Despite the loss, Jones reflected on the season’s high points and is ready to go again next campaign.

“It was very much hard luck for the Nambucca team who played well all season only to trip up at the business end of the season.

“The team should take a lot away from this season which saw them in amongst it all year.

They were a joy to follow and everyone should be proud of how they represented themselves and the club.

“Roll on next year,” said Rhys.

By David WIGLEY