Bellingen High School took three teams to the Australasian Champion of Champions School Futsal carnival in Brisbane and although all teams played well, the 16 years girls were exceptional.
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In their preliminary games they defeated Downlands College 4-0, drew with Assisi College 2-2, lost to St Monica’s 1-2 then defeated Keilor Downs College 10-2, and finished the round by defeating Coffs Harbour High School 5-2.
This left the girls in second place overall and up against St Monica’s in the semi-final, whom they proceeded to defeat 3-0.
Into the grand finals, they now had to take on the undefeated Assisi College.
The game started at a fast pace and the Bello girls seemed tired after days of competition.
This wasn’t to be their final and Assisi won convincingly. However, runners-up at this level of competition is an outstanding achievement.
One sign of a good team is that goals are shared around and this was the case with Katie Thorn 9, Willow Neal 8, Moala MacKenzie 4, Jordan Healy 3, Ochre Pastro 2, Jazz Brightwell 1, all managing to find the net.
Special mention must be made of Moala MacKenzie who was picked in the All Stars team voted by opposing coaches and also young Willow Neal (only 13) who stepped up to this age group when we needed another player.
The 19 years girls started the competition slowly but still managed to finish the first day with one win and one loss. The second day saw them play together well against stiff competition.
Things seemed back on track until they lost Jess Marks due to injury and then Sam Barker also due to injury.
With two key players out the girls needed to win their last game on Sunday morning against Erindale College from ACT. The girls really lifted and the score was 0-0 with 30 seconds to go when the ball slipped in past their keeper.
The girls missed the semi but can be so proud of their efforts.
Gita Pastro, Sam Barker, Alex Janzio-Fry, Amelia Brewin and Jess Marks all played their last game for BHS and they will be missed after many years of outstanding competition.
We wish Jess and Sam a speedy recovery.
The 19 years boys also started the competition slowly drawing with Taree High School 7-7, a team they should have beaten. They improved as they went through the competition showing what they are capable of doing.
They had to win their last game against the top-ranked Chancellor College to make the semis and certainly gave them a run for their money.
The boys say good-bye to Jack Martin but the rest are still able to play next year.
Watch out next year Chancellor College!