THE MACKSVILLE Stingers Women's team defeated neighbours Nambucca Strikers Red 8-nil - marking the Stingers first win of the season in the North Coast Football competition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
To make it all the sweeter, the Stingers were away to the Strikers at Coronation Park at Nambucca Heads.
Before the kick-off, Macksville Stingers starting centre midfielder Rochelle McMurray said the match was going to be a "good local derby", as the two teams at the bottom of the ladder planned to thrash it out.
In the end, it was the Stingers who had most of the possession and managed to secure their debut victory of the season after an encouraging 1-all draw with Corindi Beach the previous week.
Goals were scored by Fiona Jackson (3), Celeste Drew Cameron (2), Paula Muscat (1), Jasmine Northover (1) and Chantel Drew Cameron (1).
Macksville Stingers have had some big changes this year with a new coach in Rhys Jones, and a large majority of new-to-the-game players, some of whom had until this season never been on a pitch.
It has been a tough start to the season for the Stingers, but together they have built a team which is highly supportive and plays with heart, never rolling over, even when the chance of winning alludes them.
With a blend of both young and mature women, and several of what can only be described as 'ultimate' soccer mums, they take to the pitch every week to be part of something special - a team, who after all their battles have affectionately named themselves the Macksville Mongrels.
The Nambucca Strikers Red are not unlike the new Macksville Stingers team as they too have a wonderful camaraderie and give every one of their matches a 'red hot go', with a focus on having fun.
With the women's World Cup now officially underway, these two local women's teams show that anyone can be part of the thrilling sport, build on their fitness and have a great time with other phenomenal women.
It is an exciting time to follow women's football, both internationally and locally.
Meanwhile, this month, Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) will host rebel Female Football Week (FFW) on Saturday June 22 until Sunday June 30 and invites all member clubs to join in.