On the double: U13 Girls secure premiership with a hard fought win over a defiant Enfield

Post date: Aug 14, 2017 6:48:11 AM

A hot Sunday afternoon at Ewen Park set the scene for the Cooks River Titans Under 13 girls to deliver a premiership in what would cap off an amazing first season at the club, defeating a gallant Enfield in a closely contested Grand Final. Minor Premiers at the end of the regular season, the young Titans defeated Enfield 2 - 0 in the Major Semi Final to secure their berth in the division one final.

By far the two best teams in the division, the stage was set, emotions were flying high and with a blast of the referee’s whistle the game was underway. From the outset it was evident that this final was going to be a close one and it definitely delivered. The early stages of the match proved to be a midfield battle, however, it was the Titans who had the first clear-cut chance of the game. A swift counter attack from the Titans in the second minute saw the ball fall to the feet of the attacker inside the penalty area, however her shot was struck straight at the keeper who dealt with it comfortably. Following this Enfield slowly played themselves into the game and were presented with a good chance on 8 minutes. A scrambled clearance by the Titans defence saw the ball roll out to the Enfield midfielder whose shot just outside the box sailed just over the crossbar. This sprung the Titans into action, another missed opportunity as the counter lead to a good ball into the box, but again, her shot was easily dealt with by the Enfield keeper, who was having a fine game. Moments later, a swift counter attack from an ambitious Enfield saw the ball played over the top of Titans backline, and they were through on goal if it was not for the awareness of Titans keeper who bravely came off her line to superbly thwart the opportunity for a shot. The game was being played at a frenetic pace and it was Enfield who came close on nineteen minutes. A failed clearance off an Enfield corner saw the ball fall just outside the box. The Enfield striker ripped a ferocious shot that narrowly missed the top corner. With the game still deadlocked, the mighty Titans saw this as a wake up call and slowly gained the ascendancy winning the titanic midfield battle between the two fearless clubs. The last chance of the half fell to Cooks River on twenty-eight minutes. A silky piece of passing saw Cooks River at the Enfield byline, a brilliant cut back to the edge of the Enfield penalty area, saw the Titans attacker fluff her shot and roll into the hands of the Enfield goalkeeper. Moments later the halftime whistle blew and the two classy outfits were scoreless after a gutsy first half in difficult conditions.

An inspired half time team talk seemed to do the trick as the spirited Titans outfit started the second half at a quick pace, and the chances came thick and fast. With the ball anchored in the Enfield half, it was Cooks River looking the more likely to break the deadlock. A sublime piece of passing saw Enfield conceded a corner, which was dealt easily by their almost unpenetratable defence. However this defence would finally be breached by a moment of magic that would be worthy to win any grand final. On thirty-eight minutes it would be Cooks River who would take the lead. After some slick passing in the midfield, the ball would fall to the Titans striker who sublimely flicked it over the Enfield defender, she would then run around her as the ball fell to her feet and would thump it with a half volley into the back of the net. This sent the healthy crowd into pandemonium. Enfield restarted with a fury of attacks. Some nice movement saw Enfield breach the Cooks River defensive line but the ensuing cross found the hands of the Titans custodian who was having a brilliant game. Counter attacking football was the order of the day as the both sides exchanged swift counter attacks that were only lacking the finishing product. The relentless midfield battle, in hot conditions was taking its toll on both sides. A gallant Enfield never gave up with several half chances resulting in less than desirable results. With under ten minutes to go the game was on a knifes edge, with half chances coming thick and fast for both sides, but the pressure of a grand final seemed to get the better of the players coming close on many occasions. The end-to-end football was pleasing to the eye, with the vocal crowed egging both sides on. Then it happened. With a sharp blow of the referees whistle it was over. Cooks River Titans players and supporters were sent into delirium, as the Under 13 Girls/Div1 were crowned champions with a gutsy, yet classy performance. It was a perfect way to end the season and do the double.