St Johns girls progress to state carnival

By TULLY WATSON THE year 5 and 6 girls soccer team from St John’s School in Euroa went to Wangaratta to compete in the regional competition last Wednesday. It seemed like the whole school was cheering as we left in the bus. The girls versed Yarrawonga P12 College. Melinda Watson the PE teacher was coaching. The girls went onto the soccer pitch, they all felt nervous seeing their opposition who were much taller than them. Euroa started strongly with a goal scored by Lylah Hamill in the first 15 mins. The girls clearly showing that size isn’t everything. At half time all the girls came into their coach to talk about their game play. The girls were munching on oranges and lollies while listening. The second half was more difficult for the St Johns girls with one goal slipping through the defence. Full time the scores were one all and the girls came to a penalty shootout. The umpire explained the shoot out and both teams selected five penalty kickers, and one goalie. Euroa had the first try for a penalty, Emma Zhao stepped up to the ball and kicked an amazing goal straight into the back of the net. The Yarrawonga team also got their goal but a great effort from Euroa’s goalie, Charlotte Divers. Euroa was back up to the penalty line, Remy Simmons kicked the ball but unlucky the goal got saved by Yarrawonga's goalie. Again, Yarrawonga stepped up and still despite the efforts of Charlotte the ball went through. Then Ruby Preston stood up and kicked the second successful for Euroa, but then a kick from Yarrawonga went above the net and the scores were tied. Tully Watson came and kicked a great goal into to top left corner. Yarrawonga then missed the goal, lightly touched by Charlotte. The game was in Isla Moore's hands. We were holding our breath. A great kick, but just to the left of the post. Both teams had gone through all their five penalty takers, so they had to choose one more. Euroa selected Lylah Hamill. She stepped onto the line knowing that her team was supporting and encouraging her. She kicked the ball, and it as a super goal. Now it was Yarrawonga's turn. Charlotte stepped into the goals, Yarrawonga stepped to the ball, they kicked it, and Charlotte performed a spectacular save. The whole Euroa team ran to Charlotte congratulating her then went to shake hands with the Yarrawonga team. It was an amazing effort from the whole Euroa team and a great victory as well. Now the St John’s school team is going to Melbourne to compete in the state school soccer competition! GO EUROA.