The Bello girls started the game rather nervous and edgy to get the first goal and take the pressure off. There were some great opportunities in the starting minutes with balls put down the left wing and two great left-footed crosses from Brynne Couper. The game was fast paced and the girls struggled to slow it down to their usual passing game; however, they continued to display great skill and a desire to win no matter what.

Willow Neal worked tirelessly in the midfield and it was clear that Woolgoolga had planned to mark her very tightly. Yet Willow’s pace and determination enabled her to get free from her player and she was left unmarked outside the 18 yard box with time to shoot. Willow took this opportunity and the ball went flying over the keeper’s head into the back of net. The girls celebrated but the game was far from over. Just before half time a miscommunication in defence, believing a Woolgoolga player to be offside, saw this fast player capitalise on our mistake and even the score 1-1.

At half time the girls reiterated how much they wanted the win! The second half saw many more opportunities for Bellingen and many more corner kicks, however, the girls couldn’t get the ball in the net. Woolgoolga also had some opportunities but Emma Webster proved solid in defence while an excellent save from Tallara Doye tipped a long shot just over the crossbar! Many supporters were there to cheer on the girls and everyone remained on the edge of their seats until the very end. It was in the last 20 seconds of the game that Emily Ruming took a superb corner kick that landed in the far corner of the net. The full time whistle was blown! The girls did it! They achieved the ultimate championship – undefeated premiers and now grand final winners!

The girls now look forward to the Northern NSW Champion of Champions. This competition sees the best club teams from all competitions run in Northern NSW, come together to find the best of the best. The Bellingen team was invited to participate, as they were the premiers of the 16s girls competition. Teams involved will stretch from Newcastle in the south up to Tweed in the north and west to include the Northern Inland area. The games will be run from  October 7-14 at the Coffs Harbour Stadium with the 16 years girls games on October 12-14.