THE Nambucca Strikers kicked off their season in spectacular fashion, cruising to an impressive 8-0 victory over the Bellingen Bats last week at Connell Park in the Women’s Division Two South.

Leading the charge was Sarah Mander, whose exceptional performance saw her netting a hat-trick for the Strikers.

Ashleigh White also shone brightly, securing a brace, while goals from Brindley White, Allie Hancock, and Wulaaren Walker added to the team’s commanding win.

Coach Rhys Jones shared his thoughts on the season opener, providing valuable insights after the previous week’s washout.

“Nambucca women’s team skipper Sarah Mander opened her goal scoring account for 2024 with a well taken hat-trick against Bellingen on Saturday,” he said.

“Nambucca, playing their first game of the season, were hoping to start the season on a positive note and didn’t disappoint.

“With five new players from last year’s successful line-up, the team quickly got into stride in attacking style.

“Slick two touch movement up front and positive running from midfield, found the visitors 3-0 ahead in the first fifteen minutes.

“With the pace of the game and the heat of the afternoon, Nambucca dropped back a gear and controlled midfield.

“Half time saw the team change tactics and concentrate on ball possession and control, which saw the team put more goals away in very convincing fashion.”

Not surprisingly coach Jones was delighted with the opening day of the season and the continuous development of the squad.

“A very pleasing outcome with so many new players, combinations will develop, this will develop in training.

“Everyone did their job, Brindley White, the new centre midfielder ran well into space.

“Ashleigh White ran all afternoon and was unlucky not to get a hat-trick as well.

“Our backs were, as usual, strong and dominant and didn’t allow our goalkeeper much involvement in the game, but she is happy with a clean sheet,” Jones said.

Round three sees the Nambucca Strikers travel north, into the den to face Coffs Coast Tigers on Saturday April with a 1pm kick off.

By David WIGLEY