Wellington Warriors Football Club fielded four teams in the Dubbo soccer competition for the first time at the weekend in what was a testing affair across all divisions.
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In their first game of the season the Warriors’ womens division took on the newly-formed Macquarie team.
From the first to the last whistle the girls dominated play with goal keeper Kayla Veech only called upon once to make a save.
At the other end led by a Sara Darney Masterclass the Warriors girls were able to slot in seven goals, however this wasn’t the highlight of the match, that title going to full-field effort finished in a stunning cross from Jacqui to the on rushing Sara, who then calmly slotted the ball in the net.
In her first game for the team Jacqui Ryan secured player of the match honours with some excellent wing play both in attack setting up goals and in defence with some crunching tackles.
Goals went to Sara Darney (4), Casey Pope (2) and Kahla Chown (1).
In the second women's game the defending women's champions, the Wildcats, took on a rejuvenated Dubbo Bulls side.
The Wildcats got off to a strong start with Yamirra scoring in the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately it didn’t take long for Dubbo Bulls FC to strike back, with some great saves from Nyoka in goals keeping scores even at half time.
Arki caught Bulls off guard in the first five to score again, but regardless of Wellington’s efforts the Bulls hit back.
Second half was on a knifes edge and could have gone either way, but cracking defense in Wellington’s back line wasn’t enough to hold out one last gasp raid by the Bulls who won 3-2 in a great first hit out for the new-look Wildcats.
Player of the match was Madi Hannelly for her excellent display of football across the paddock.
Goal scorers were Yamirra Talbot and Arki Lewsam.
In the men’s division the Warriors stepped up from third grade and this season will feature in first and second grade.
The second division Warriors took on the perennial strong side of Dubbo Bulls. Wellington struggled off the blocks, however after the first 25 minutes the boys began to gel and had the Bulls slightly concerned.
An unlucky goal on half time saw the boys go into the break one down.
The Warriors continued to perform and create good chances in second half, however they were continuously denied by some brilliant defense and solid goal keeping skills by the Bulls.
Wellington didn’t drop heads when the Bulls got up 2-nil, continuing to work hard and strive for a goal.
It wasn’t meant to be for the boys in maroon who went down 2-nil at the buzzer.
Based on this performance the seconds look to have a promising season ahead.
Player of the match went to Ryan Miller who played his first ever senior competitive game.
The first grade Warriors also took on the Dubbo Bulls who are the current defending DDFA champions.
Wellington hit the ground running and troubled the Bulls throughout the whole first half.
The Warriors put on an admiral display of attitude which was best witnessed by Ben Turner running from striker to defense to save a goal. However, try as the lads might as the half wore on Dubbo worked their way into the game and managed to knock in two goals to lead at the break.
The Bulls went on to score a few quick goals and despite chances created by Wellington they were unable to capitalise and in the end went down 6-nil.
It is anticipated the first grade side will be a competitive force in the competition once they gel as a team.
Player of the match went to Cody Hannelly.
All four teams will head to Dubbo this week where they will take on the Bulls and Newtown. Warriors women will kick off at 9am against Bulls, and Newtown; the second division men at 1pm and First Grade at 3pm against Newtown.
