COLLIE Power Soccer ladies’ team came close to Pioneer Cup glory in Dunsborough last Friday night but fell just short against Margaret River.
Collie’s road to the grand final started with victory over Busselton in the quarter final, before booking a place in the decider with a hard-fought victory over Hay Park United in the semi final.
In doing so, they made history by becoming the first Collie team to compete in a Pioneer Cup grand final.
The grand final started off at a hectic pace, with Margaret River attacking the Collie defence.
But as Collie has done all season, they held firm, with Tahya Sutherland, Rose Bolderson, T’Leah Wood, Chrystle Uren and Lauren Ingram working together well in defence.
Collie’s midfield worked hard to set up attacking runs, supplying good balls to Jayme-Lee Smith and Sarah Vansnick.
Bonny Jack, Tara Hollins, Bella Dallywater and Mel Lasisz dug deep to keep the pressure on the Margaret River midfield.
Collie made a couple of changes, with Zoe Skerten going into the defence, Abby East and Alison McSporran moved into the midfield, and Sarah Iley to the forward line.
Collie held off Margaret River and went into the half-time break 0 to 0.
Collie’s players came out in the second half with a fire in the belly, and attacked Margaret River, putting pressure on their defence.
Collie was unlucky in a couple of its attacks as the opposition defence stayed strong.
There was a bit of good fortune for the Power after a Margaret River goal was disallowed due to an offside call.
Collie continued to keep the pressure on, and the game went back and forward, with both teams working hard.
Unfortunately, in the 75th minute Margaret River managed to break through Collie’s defence.
Collie continued to keep the pressure on but was unable to respond.
Margaret River continued to press forward, and a lapse in concentration resulted in their second goal.
Collie did not give up and continued to play hard.
Goya Olecki was moved into the forward line and Laura Broomhead to the midfield.
Collie fought hard until the final whistle, but Margaret River held firm, coming away with a 2 to 0 win.
The Collie ladies should be very proud of their efforts, putting in an impressive complete team effort over the three games.