THE Urunga Raiders clinched the 2024 Challenge Cup title with a commanding 4-0 victory over defending champions Coffs City United in a thrilling final showdown.

Entering the tournament on the heels of a victorious campaign at the Viking Challenge six-a-side competition in Forster, the Raiders were brimming with confidence.

First team coach Trevor Martin offered valuable insights into their journey over the two-day event.

“Saturday saw the girls win their three opening matches comfortably, clocking up a good tally of goals along the way.

“The fourth of their group games was played early on Sunday against Macleay Valley, who were a stronger opponent, but the Raiders still came away with a 3-0 win to see them top their pool without conceding a goal,” Martin said.

Maintaining their momentum on Sunday, the Raiders navigated through the final rounds flawlessly.

Martin reflected on the intense battles, particularly the hard-fought encounter against Coffs Lionesses in the semi-finals.

“Finals rounds followed with the girls facing Coffs Lionesses who had progressed after also beating the Rangers that morning.

“This was a competitive and hard fought tussle with both teams creating chances, but it was Urunga who claimed the win in the last few minutes after Bre Martin got in behind the Coffs back line to set up Kate Fry for the finish.”

With their win, the Raiders progressed straight to the grand final.

The Lionesses then battled through their subsequent second chance games for a second matchup against Urunga in the Grand Final.

“With the benefit of time out to rethink their game strategy and the extra miles that Coffs has covered to get to the final, this game was not a replay of the first encounter,” Martin said.

“Urunga controlled the tempo and the midfield creating good chances throughout the game and scoring four unanswered goals,” he said.

Amidst the growing popularity of women’s football, coach Martin commended the emerging talents within the club, signaling a promising season ahead

“Some great performances from some of our younger up and coming players both in the attacking and defensive aspects of the game showcased the depth in the group.

“If our success in pre-season is any indication, we are looking strong for a promising season ahead.”

Port United won the men’s event, defeating Pymble from Sydney 1-0 in the final.

By David WIGLEY