Collie-Narrogin team prevail in men’s match during Festival of Soccer

A combined Collie and Narrogin team were victorious in the second Narrogin Festival of Soccer at Thomas Hogg Oval last Saturday.

More than 70 school-aged kids took part in the junior clinics and took advantage of the fun activities and inflatable obstacle course between games.

St Matthew’s Primary School deputy principal and striker for the Narrogin-Collie team, Mark Tenney, said the competition was jam-packed with thrilling games.

The Narrogin Soccer Club under-12 boys took on the Collie Power Soccer Club under-12 boys but the South West team proved too strong, winning 4-2.

“The match didn’t start too favourably for the inexperienced Narrogin side and the well-drilled Collie squad took a 4-0 lead after some slick passing and clinical finishing,” Mr Tenney said.

“The Narrogin boys rallied after half-time and fought back with two well-built goals finished coolly by Dylan Mulcahy.”

Collie Power-Narrogin Soccer Club secured a 1-0 win over the Albany Rovers.

“The men’s game saw Collie Power, heavily reinforced by Narrogin locals, take on a youthful and physical Albany Rovers side,” Mr Tenney said.

“While chances were plentiful throughout the match, neither side could break the deadlock.”

Peter Baker who was best on ground, together with a youthful Barry Stewart kept the Albany strikers at bay.

Wingers Scott Cochrane, Mitch Whyte and Tristan Vitalone worked hard to link well with Kaidyn Price and Philip Cavanagh, but the Albany defence proved stoic.

The game looked as though it would finish 0-0 until Jac Salah-Hollins evaded three defenders before passing back to Tenney who secured the match-winning goal.

The women’s game between Collie Power and Mt Barker United proved an entertaining six-goal thriller.

Collie Power’s Bonny Jack skipped through Mt Barker’s defence to take an early 1-nil lead before in-form striker and best-on-ground Libby Morris scored a quick-fire double to turn the match in Mt Barker’s favour.

Collie’s Sky D’Alton got the scores level before Morris again extended Mt Barker’s lead.

In the final 10 minutes, D’Alton broke through and neatly slotted home from the 18-yard line to set up a tense finish between two evenly matched sides.

The game finished 3-all with Collie Power holding on to the Narrogin Mining and Energy Union Cup for the second year with an aggregate score of 4-3.

Mr Tenney said the great turnout for the festival would help grow the competition for next year.

“The event now looks to 2023 in the hopes of being able to invite members of the public back to enjoy the festivities,” he said.

“Further teams from across the South West have indicated their interest in being a part of the festival, and the event promises to continue to grow a love of soccer in Narrogin.”