Open Girls Diocesan Football Gala Day

On Thursday, 21 March, our Open Girls Football team travelled to Lake Macquarie Regional Football Complex in Speers Point to represent St Clare's in the Diocesan Football Gala Day.  The bus left Taree at 7 am sharp for the long trip down the highway to Speers Point.  The day started with a really tough opening game against All Saints Catholic College who were the eventual winners on the day.  The All Saints team were a quality opposition who kept the ball very well and were clinical in front of goal.  The St Clare's girls were lifted in the next game by a goal from Claire Downie who was rewarded for her hard work over the opening two games with a brave challenge on the goalkeeper.  The St Clare's girls conducted themselves excellently in a very physical and tough game against St Mary's.  The girls were unlucky to lose 2-1 in the dying minutes of a very exciting game. 

The last game of the day saw our girls come up against St Bede's in what was the highlight of the day for St Clare's.  An outstanding performance led from Gemma Eady-Muxlow who showed great positioning in defence and composure on the ball throughout the match.  Elise Zammit, Charlotte Anderson, Amelia Johnson and Nyoka Syron were also outstanding in defence, limiting any chances for the opposition.  The team grew in confidence with some outstanding play from Sara Harris, Hope Taaffe and Miley Cox.  Maya Ljumanovic put in a player of the match performance with her outstanding work ethic and leadership on the pitch which was rewarded by two goals for the St Clare's striker.  The highlight of the match was an outstanding solo goal from Ruby Hillyard.  Ruby made a driving run from her own half through the St Bede's defence before unleashing a powerful shot from just inside the penalty area.  

The Open Girls team represented St Clare's with pride and were a credit to our school community on the day.  I would like to thank all the players for their effort and commitment on the day. 

Back Row:  Amelia Johnson, Miley Cox, Nyoka Syron, Charlotte Anderson, Claire Downie & Elise Zammit
Front Row:  Maya Ljumanovic, Sara Harris, Gemma Eady-Muxlow, Hope Taaffe & Ruby Hillyard

James Collins
Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement

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