Clean sweep for Kemblawarra

KEMBLAWARRA Womens Division 1 soccer team has experienced a stellar season so far and are by no means finished yet.

Earlier in the year, the girls won the prestigious NSW Open title, following this up by taking out the minor premiership in the Illawarra competition, and then last Sunday took home the Illawarra Grand Final trophy by beating Shell City Purple 3 0 in an entertaining match at Elizabeth Park, Bellambi.

This Grand Final was played at 9am last Saturday and then in a extraordinary decision, the team had to travel to Warilla to take on Canterbury in Round 1 of the State Champion of Champions tournament at 3pm that same day.

Running on tired legs after their tough 90 minute encounter against Shell City Purple, Kemblawarra somehow pulled off yet another win, beating the Cantebury side 3 1, to advance into the second round.

Although the Grand Final score of 3 0 looks convincing enough, it was not a true reflection of the game.

Shell City engaged in a number of raids in the second stanza, only to be denied by Kemblawarras goalkeeper Katie Stutz who pulled off a number of top quality saves.

Stephenie Stier Gebhardt opened the scoring for Kemblawarra midway through the first half and that was the only goal at the break.

Camille Augustyn then found the net 15 minutes into the second stanza before Stephanie wrapped up the match with a double 10 minutes from the end.

If Kemblawarra can somehow manage to win the State Champion of Champions crown, it will cap off one truly remarkable season for the team and club.