Western Springs 9th grade girls made an excellent start to representative play, when they went to the Three Kings United tournament, Sunday August 2.

Taking on teams who play together each weekend, did not deter them. First up in pool play was Bay Olympic who scored early, but our team held its composure fighting back impressively to salvage a 1-1 draw when striker Emma Fletcher equalised with little time remaining.

Next up was Onehunga Sports, with some very big girls, who monstered us 3-1 with Faye Busfield getting the consolation goal. Our final pool play opponent was Waitakere, whom we vanquished convincingly 2-0 with Faye Busfield twice finding the net. This placed us 2nd in the pool, missing 1st marginally only on goal difference. Enthusiasm in the new team was bristling, with confirmation we were to play in the Plate knock-out round.

Our semi-final opponent was Beachlands-Maraetai, and after a delayed start due to lack of a referee, it was all go. Nova Peterson struck early with a well worked chance to give us the lead. But our opponents were not about to give up, mounting repeated attacks until they equalised. The battle raged around the field, until Faye Busfield burst through flanking the defence and thundering the winner into the goal. The fulltime whistle brought major celebrations, with our team stunned and delighted to have made it to the Plate Final.

The final was a rematch vs Bay Olympic. Unfortunately the gas tank was now on empty, and we were well beaten 6-0!

Emma Fletcher, Faye Busfield, and Nova Peterson were dominant in attack, with Waiana Jones showing great natural talent at sweeper.

Sylvie Mangan, Katie Robertson, Emma Furnell, and Maya Paddy were all versatile on attack and defence, with Lili Cantlay getting her first real taste of goalie with distinction.

All in all, a great day out. Next up the Fencibles tournament with the Club Champs in October definitely in our sights.