NAMBUCCA Strikers senior women kicked off their 2023 season with a last gasp 2-1 victory over the Orara Valley Dingoes last Saturday at Coronation Park.

But it was a nerve wracking 90 minutes for Coach Rhys Jones.

“The team opened their season with a ‘get out of jail’ performance,” he said.

After Nambucca took the lead early through their skipper Sarah Mander, the team seemed destined to open their season with a win, however the visitors had other ideas.

“With three minutes to go a cross from the right found an Orara player at the far post who placed the ball just out of reach of the scrambling Strikers keeper,” Jones said.

“The never say die attitude which this team has displayed came to the fore.

“Straight from the kick off the Strikers pushed forward, driving hard into the opposition’s half.

“And with no more than 30 seconds on the clock, attacking midfielder Allie Hancock received the ball 25 metres out from goal and with a well placed shot scored the winner.

“Games against Orara are always a grind, both teams play with similar attitudes as both teams take no backward steps.

“Today was typical of that, great to start the season with a hard fought win.

“We rose to the occasion with great performances from our very young midfield, whose average age was seventeen, with new player Hope Lesley bringing extra balance to the side,” Jones said.

Nambucca women’s team travel north for round two on Saturday 29 April against a strong Corindi team.

By David WIGLEY