Central Coast Lightning take out the 2009 Cheryl Salisbury Cup

Early in the day, after recovering from an extremely dramatic late night penalty shoot-out the night before over Penrith Nepean United the Central Coast girls had to meet the ever impressive girls from Southern Districts Association in the semi final.  Central Coast had been the only team in this competition to defeat Southern Districts (1-0) and this semi was no different with many chances being created by both teams, but in the end it was the strength and skill of the Lightning girls who reached the Final by way of a 1-0 victory against a very courageous Southern Districts Association team.
In the other semi final, it was Southern NSW who won their quarter final with a golden goal victory (3-2) over Macarthur Rams to reach the semi against Northern Tigers who had a great quarter final win over Sutherland Sharks.   In what was another absorbing clash, either team could have won this game with the goalkeepers on both sides displaying outstanding form to keep the opposition scoreless.  In the end however it was Southern NSW that were able to grab the one solitary goal needed to secure their passage to the Final.
After a short break and a great exhibition match from the girls of the Football NSW Under 14 Girls State Team it was high noon when Central Coast Lightning and Southern NSW  lined up in an all Super League Cheryl Salisbury Cup Final after a week of fantastic football.
After so many tight matches in the quarter and semi finals, much was expected of this Final, but from the outset it was Central Coast Lightning that struck with such tremendous venom that after six minutes they had put three into the back of the net.  Southern NSW were shell-shocked and obviously feeling the effects of a long week.  They showed their courage however and lifted to fight their way back into the match and held Central Coast for long periods of time, but all to no avail as the Lightning girls were relentless, banging in two more goals to ensure a decisive and conclusive victory 5-0.  This was particularly hard for Southern NSW to accept, having been beaten in the Final of the inaugural 2008 Cheryl Salisbury Cup last year.
Central Coast Lightning were indeed the best team in the competition all week, dropping just the one match against Sutherland Sharks, but their strength and consistency saw them succeed against very strong opposition and they are to be congratulated on their fantastic efforts in snaring this prestigious trophy.
The presentation of medals to Central Coast Lightning and Southern NSW was attended to by Directors Linda Ward and George Jackson, together with Mr Peter Turnbull, Central Coast Mariners Director and Football NSW CEO Mr Michael Quarmby.
Cheryl Salisbury conveyed her apologies, but was unable to attend due to urgent business commitments.
The player of the Final was adjudged to be the devastating Ally Moxham who played exceptionally well for Central Coast Lightning and the Cheryl Salisbury Defender of the Tournament was awarded to Southern NSW central defender Ebonylee Peel.
Larry Grant
Competition Secretary