The 2022 season has come to an end, and it’s been a great one for the U13 Girls Maroon “Balloons” team.

An even split of years 7 & 8’s, gave the team both youth and experience, and despite early disruption due to COVID, we got in a full season of footy.

Our game plan was to attack, running and passing at speed and when the opposition had the ball, getting up early and grabbing the rips.

Three good, early wins seemed to suggest that we had the right formula, but this was challenged following a loss to a well-drilled Shore team.

Some quick refocusing and a renewed commitment to our kick/chase game saw the team go on to complete the season without another loss. One highlight was playing Silverdale’s top team. Their referee said before the game, “if it’s a blowout at half-time, I will look to even the game out in the 2nd half”. Cote was ahead 65-15 at halftime, so I popped over to ask how he wanted to proceed. He said, “Ah, sorry, our team has never been in this situation before. We don’t lose”. They did that day 😊.

Our players, Dillon, Dom, Elizabeth, Lauren, Lily, Manaia, Mia, Sara, Sophia and Toi were each individually superb and, as a team, were almost unstoppable. Thanks, girls, for making coaching fun even when I had to be grumpy!

It takes a village to get it right, so thanks to my manager, statistician and wife, Rebecca and to Tony, our regular ref (I don’t think my lungs have forgiven you for making me fill in for two games). And to our great family of supporters – I hope you enjoyed being along for the ride, and your encouragement of the girls was always appreciated.