Vipers’ class on world stage lifts futsal profile
INTERNATIONAL CLUB CHALLENGE
THEY might not have got the result they were looking for but hopes are high the International Futsal Club Challenge will prove a win for women’s futsal.
Cairns Vipers pushed the Victorian All Stars all the way to go down 2-1 in the women’s decider at Redlynch Central Sports Stadium yesterday and captain Danielle Reed was thrilled her side was putting the sport on the map.
“It can only go up from here,” she said.
“We had a really good competition. We beat Mareeba and Innisfail both times but the Victorian side we just couldn’t seem to get past.
“This was our first time playing together and we got better every game.”
Reed said Natalie Castro and Michelle Brett were standouts in a team made up of futsal and outdoor players from FNQ Football Premier Women’s clubs, including Marlin Coast, Stratford and Leichhardt.
Vipers assistant coach Brodin Dalglish said that it was an impressive grand final perthroughout formance considering the Victorian All Stars beat them 4-2 and 3-0 in the preliminary stages.
“We did play really well the competition. We only lost to one team all tournament and that was the Victorian All Stars,” he said.
Dalglish said he hoped the success of the event would encourage international guests to send women’s teams and grow the competition next year.
“The girls are really happy the competition came through this time, which is a big step for the centre and for futsal in the region,” he said.
Malaysia emerged victorious from a hotly contested men’s competition, defeating Sydney All Stars 3-2 in the final.