C Grade stand their ground in gritty 1–1 draw
In a hard-fought match over the weekend, the C Grade side coached by Drew Willis secured a 1–1 draw against a physically dominant Blayney team. The result is being celebrated as something of a victory for Cowra, considering Blayney’s standing as a top-two team last season.
Coach Willis praised his team for holding their own against the more physically imposing opposition. “Coming up against a much larger side was a real test today, but the team stuck to what we’ve been working on — good communication, solid passing, and playing our game,” he said.
There were no radical tactical changes during the match, but the focus on basics paid off. “We’ve seen significant improvement since round one, and if we keep building on that, more good results will follow,” Willis added.
Standout performances came from substitute goalkeeper Tyler Morgan, whose crucial saves helped preserve the draw, and defenders Tyler Francis and Michael Hayes, who worked tirelessly to contain Blayney’s onslaught.
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Despite the challenge, the team remained composed under pressure and showed determination to preserve the draw. Looking ahead, the focus will be on improving communication and refining passing to strengthen their game further.
Cowra dominates Blayney in 6–1 Victory
Cowra women's team, led by coach Erin McAuliffe, continued their strong start to the season with a commanding 6–1 win over Blayney. The victory is another step in their mission to mirror last year’s undefeated season.
“We matched them physically and didn’t let them push us off the ball,” McAuliffe said. “We made a conscious effort to win those 50/50 balls, and I think that made the biggest difference in the scoreline.”
The team kept their composure despite Blayney's growing frustration during the game. “We stayed calm and focused, making sure we challenged fairly while protecting our lead,” McAuliffe explained.
Player of the match went to Holly Gorham for her relentless work rate and a stunning goal that capped off a top-tier performance. Candice Meeuwisse also performed with a strong physical presence and a well-earned goal.
With momentum on their side, the women are aiming to stay grounded. “We know we have a target on our backs coming off an undefeated season, so we’re taking it week by week,” said McAuliffe. The focus for upcoming games will be on sharpening ball movement and perfecting passing combinations, particularly in triangular play.
Both teams will be looking to build on their strong performances as the season progresses.
