THE Urunga Raiders have completed a perfect season in the Women’s HIT105.5 North Coast Premier League, securing victory in every match and a whopping goal difference of +67.

It’s been a stellar season for attacking midfielder Katie Thorn, who has bagged nine goals and created many more.

Thorn credited the team’s success to a strong camaraderie and a coach with a clear vision.

“We have been bouncing off each other well all season,” she said.

“Our coach, Trevor [Martin], has done a fantastic job at providing a clear philosophy of the Raiders’ style of play, which we have been edging closer towards all season.”

Thorn emphasised the team’s depth, pointing to their diverse attacking threats and solid defence.

“We are yet to have our full team play together, so with the results we have had so far, with fifteen different goal scorers and only four goals conceded, it really shows the depth of women’s football at Urunga.

“The atmosphere has been great all season, there is always a lot of positivity in the team and we are all here for a good time, so every game is enjoyable.”

However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.

“It’s been a challenge to maintain rhythm coming into finals with only having played eleven games so far due to forfeits and wash outs.

“However, the girls have been training well and are always up for a challenge,” Thorn said.

The Raiders will conclude their season with an away match against Orara on Saturday 17 August, kicking off at 3pm The following week, on Saturday 24 August, they will face second-placed Coffs City United in the first round of the finals playoffs, with a direct path to the Grand Final on the line.

The loser of this crucial clash will have another opportunity to reach the Grand Final by taking on the winner of the Orara Valley Dingoes versus Woolgoolga Wildcats match on Saturday 31 August.

The Women’s Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday 7 September at 5pm at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, with the Men’s Grand Final following at 7pm.

By David WIGLEY