Another great tournament enjoyed by all, or at least all the girls... some parents where a bit cold and wet by the end... but not yet miserable.
Great to see the fun and enthusiasm in the girls even in the cold, wet and windy conditions.
3 Kings Solvenia had a great run through the pool games, winning all three games, including one against a the 9th grade Waiuku.
Game 1: vs Drury. Difficult first game with the large pitch sizes and small goals, the girls found it hard to find the net. Finally Kate slotted one in the net which was enough to secure a 1:0 victory. Great Start.
Game 2: vs 9th Grade Waiuku. Slovenia started strong and were extremely competitive in the early stages against the older girls. They were really working well as a team, passing the ball, letting it do the work on the larger pitch. Lots of great individual skills on the ball with a bit more space to play with. Things were tight until we were awarded a free kick. Kate stepped up, not sure what was the best option, but finally struck a great shot at the goal. It rebounded and she followed up with another shot the net rippled with the power of the ball and she turned to the cheering crowd with a look of disbelief. I'd say is must have been the shot of the tournament.. comment if you feel otherwise...
Game 3: vs Fensibles. We all thought this would be be key game to finish on top of the group. The game started very close, the teams evenly matched and it could clearly go either way. Kate again got things going, putting the team ahead with a 'wee cheeky' goal. The keeper gather the ball in her hands and then put it on the ground to kick it, Kate simply stepped up and kicked it in the goal. I think the young referee didn't know what to do, and there was some confusion with the players, but the goal was awarded and rightly so. Gemma and Annika added to the score making the final score 3-0.
Slovenia went onto the semi-finals to play the other 3 Kings team 'South Africa' which was unfortunate, we had hoped that particular game would not be played until the final. On paper the 2 teams are evenly matched, but this would be their first encounter since the beginning of the season. As expected the game was close, both teams with chances throughout the game, but South Africa we able convert their chances into goals, to win 2-0 and book their place in the final. Well Done!
Slovenia's play off for 3rd/4th was another close game, but the legs were getting tired and the conditions deteriated. Gemma and Emily scored goals matching their 2 goals. Full time 2-2. It had been an even game so rather than continue with extra time and risk penalties we decided to share 3rd place.
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