THE Sawtell Scorpions 12 Girls 1st division girls have proven to be one of North Coast’s Football’s best junior teams.

The Scorpions continued their undefeated season with a 2-1 win against the Coffs City United Lionesses at Toormina. The win was their 11th from 11 games this season, with the sensational Scorpions side conceding just one goal while scoring 46 of their own.

The Scorpions and Lionesses headed into half-time locked at 1-1, with the Lionesses creating early chances in the second half.

But the Scorpions started to gain the ascendancy and capitalised as a solo run and goal from Imogen Bilsborough after a beautiful through ball from Libby Lynn proved to be the match winner.
Scorpion’s co-coach Danny Hill shared with News Of The Area why his side was so successful.

“They have been playing together for a few years and they gel so well,” he said.

“Our defence is our armour and our brick wall, and we have a lot of heart and don’t give up and fight for every ball.

“Every girl can play in every position and our versatility makes selection easy.

“We have great players with individual skill but we play as a team and are a great unit.

“Nearly everyone has scored this season and we don’t rely on a couple of players.”

Coach Hill said his players took great pride in their dominant defensive record.

“Today was the first time we had conceded a goal this season, and we are lucky to be strong across the field but exceptional in defence,” he said.

“They don’t just slack off and they take pride in and fight to not let goals in.

“I have to tell them to curb it sometimes as they are aggressive, but you’ve got to have that killer instinct otherwise you don’t win 11 matches in a row.”

Co-coach Jo Elliott explained the makeup and background of the side.

“We have players from a lot of different schools across the region,” she said.

“They’ve played together in mixed teams before and they know each other well, and we have a core group that have come through the juniors together.”

Scorpions’ striker Imogen Bilsborough scored the match winner in their latest win, and said it was a great feeling to score the vital goal.

“It felt good because everyone worked hard to get the second goal,” she said.

“And it’s good to beat a team that’s so competitive.”

The 12-year-old has played for the Scorpions for the past 5 years and liked the challenge of playing striker.

“I like playing up front because I can get a challenge, because most teams have their players in the backline so it’s a challenge.”

 

By Aiden BURGESS