Country girls exit National Championships in style

The Under 14?s Country team kept their 100% winning record in tact as they defeated Group A side Northern NSW 4-1, while the Under 15?s gave the goals a workout in their 11-0 mauling of Northern Territory.
NSW Country Under 14?s 4-1 Northern NSW
Having already qualified for the top group at next year?s tournament, the Under 14?s crossover match against NNSW gave them a taste of what to expect.
They looked up to the challenge from the outset with the Country girls turning on the pressure in the opposition half.
Captain Erin Holder continued her great goal scoring form when she hit a volley on 12? minutes that swerved around the NNSW ?keeper?s head to give Country a 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes had passed before Country found a second. Shaeley Aldridge sent a drifting free kick in from the left touch line, which stunned the opposition ?keeper.
But Country?s lead was short lived with NNSW pulling a goal back just a minute later to bring the game to life.
Country wouldn?t rest on their lead and they continued to press the NNSW defence. The host side eventually wilted in the 45^th minute when Shaeley Aldridge grabbed her second for the match through a stunning free kick.
Despite Northern getting frustrated and leaving just three players at the back, Country had the bulk of possession.
They sealed the match in the 47^th minute when Kya Godbier made a weaving run between the NNSW defenders and blasted a shot into the top corner.
It was enough for Linda Khamis? side to prove their mettle as one of the tournament?s best sides.
NSW Country Under 15?s 11-0 Northern Territory
With top spot in Group B already wrapped up by South Australia, the Country Under 15?s were playing to secure second place. They faced cellar dwellers Northern Territory and completed the match as comfortably as expected. Eight different players got their name on the scoresheet with the consistent Matilda-Lee Potter grabbing the first after 12? minutes. Morgan Sherman was next to hit the back of the net just three minutes later with a hopeful shot from distance that evaded the NT ?keeper.
Country?s prowess in front of goal was a testament to their movement of the ball. Madison Parbery pushed the lead out to 3-0 after 20? minutes before defender Jessica Berryman buried a loose ball from a corner in the 24^th.
Amanda Stevenson added a fifth before Madison Parbery gave Country a 6-0 advantage heading into half time.
Morgan Sherman scored her brace with a spectacular strike just inside the box. After making her presence felt down the left hand side for much of the match, it was fitting that Alexandra Scobie grabbed Country?s eighth goal after she latched onto a through ball from Charlee Mcpherson.
There was no respite from Country?s attacking raids and on a day where everything seemed to go right, they earned a penalty, which Sally Lynch happily converted.
Caitlin Murphy took Country into double figures with a tidy finish a the far post on 71? minutes and a last minute own goal from Northern Territory pushed the resounding score line out even further. With the Country girls participating at their final Nationals tournament, coach Glen Stedman was pleased with the efforts all players had made.
-By Mitchell Grima