In a game that did not determine final standings in the Manning Valley Division 3 Women’s Competition Strikers were unable to counteract a very aggressive and intimidating Cougars side eventually going down by two goals to nil.
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In previous encounters Cougars have always been a difficult team to overcome due to their unorthodox style of play with their ball control and big hitting, and Friday night proved to be no exception.
Strikers players were aware of their reckless play and tried to negate it by allowing plenty of space to run the ball and use their usual style of passing game.
The forwards worked the ball really well keeping play wide and utilising the speed of youngsters Ashley Thompson and Sami Annetts and linking with midfield Anita Lauder and Sarah Linhart only to find they were unable to succeed with finding the goal.
Even several penalty corners went unconverted.
Defensive players Anna Black, Sally Hunt, and Cathy Groth played well in keeping Cougars attack at bay while keeper Gloria Smith also made some great saves.
Cougars went to a one nil lead at the break.
With Strikers becoming apprehensive about the dangerous play of Cougars their game plan was to avoid injury and concentrate on utilising their positional play.
Halves Michelle Linhart, Michelle Merrick and Tracy Thompson were dynamic and committed in their approach in trying to keep the game within their grasp.
However after Cougars went to a two nil lead and Strikers suffered three injuries the game deteriorated even further.
Star player Michelle Merrick had to leave the field with 10 minutes remaining due to a suspected broken ankle.
At the conclusion of the game Strikers players were congratulated for their commitment, their determination and sportsmanship and thankful that this was the end of the competition rounds and would not have to face this team again.
Despite the loss Strikers still maintained second place and now have to concentrate on their major semifinal on Friday night at 6:30 on the ATF against Tigers.
Team points went to Michelle M 3, Ashley 2, Gloria, Sarah and Sami