Open Girls Touch –

A Season to Be Proud Of

The Open Girls Touch team played Cronulla this week in the Top 20 playoff, and what an incredible contest it was.

The Glen Innes team arrived ready to fire. They had prepared diligently throughout the season, with every player committing to training sessions and putting in the hard work. Those training sessions became much more than just practice, they were where the girls grew as players, teammates and leaders. It was where they learnt to communicate effectively, accept the areas of their game that needed improvement, and listen to the experience of their older teammates.

Our team consisted of girls from Year 7 right through to Year 11. While their age and experience varied, their motivation, determination and passion for touch football never did. Even the newer players who joined us in the final few games quickly embraced the team culture and contributed positively.

Wednesday's match kicked off at 11.00 am and was expertly refereed by Gus Macrae and Ben Lockwood. A big thank you to both officials for their time and professionalism.

From the opening five minutes it was clear this was going to be a tight contest. Glen Innes defended exceptionally well throughout the first half and matched Cronulla's intensity. Cronulla opened the scoring through their outstanding captain, the dangerous No. 7, but Mary responded for Glen Innes to level the scores at 1–1 heading into half-time.

I'm not sure any of us expected the match to be so close, so the girls were excited and full of belief as they headed into the second half with everything still to play for.

Cronulla came out strongly after the break and reduced some of the errors that had troubled them in the first half. However, Glen Innes continued to grow into the game.

Midway through the second half, we found ourselves leading 3–2. They were the longest five to ten minutes of the season as we desperately wished the clock would wind down just a little faster.

Unfortunately, Cronulla's No. 7 proved the difference, scoring twice late in the match to give her side a 4–3 victory.

While it was heartbreaking to come so close to progressing, this was an outstanding performance and a result the girls should be incredibly proud of. To lose by just one try against one of the state's best teams is a huge achievement and shows just how far this group has come.

Once the disappointment settled, we were able to reflect on the season. We know there are areas of our game that we can continue to improve, but with this being our final match of the year, it was also the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything these girls have achieved.

Touch football is an incredibly fast game where strategy, communication and decision-making all happen in a split second. Our girls have improved enormously in every aspect of the game. They have developed confidence, resilience, leadership and a genuine belief in one another. There is still more to learn, but the growth shown throughout the season has been remarkable.

Thank you to everyone who supported our girls throughout the season; the families, supporters and the many coaches around town.

A special thank you to our Principal, Mrs Hill, whose ongoing support and willingness to accommodate training sessions within the school timetable has made such a positive difference to our program.

I have also been fortunate to receive mentoring and support from touch coaches both near and far, particularly Kelly Lawson, whose guidance has helped me continue to grow as a coach.

Most importantly, thank you to the girls. The positive culture, energy and spirit you created made this season something truly special. It is also why this loss is so difficult to accept, because this group deserved every success. However, they should leave this season knowing they have represented Glen Innes with pride, determination and outstanding drive and work ethic.

Our goal for 2027 is clear, to qualify for the Top 10 Finals at Tuggerah. This group has shown they belong among the best, and they will be working hard to get there.

Congratulations, girls. You have every reason to be proud.

We've got spirit - yes we do!

Katie Rossington

Community News