Valkyries win their final football match
To win their competition the Dannevirke Sports Club Valkyries women’s football team first had to win their last game against Marist Avengers and then hope other results would go their way.
Playing at home in the A&P Showgrounds ring some of the Valkyries arrived looking like they meant business Viking helmets, swords and a mighty steed pulling an attach wagon.
Dannevirke did prevail 2-1 over Marist in a nerve-wracking match for coach Dave Barber.
The Viking regalia may have only served to fire up Marist who dominated the first quarter and took the lead 1-0.
Dannevirke managed to keep the score to 1-0 until halftime. What Dave Barber said then is unknown but it certainly worked. Dannevirke began threading passes to other teammates and a great centre from Erin Brunton found Tash Miller who chipped the ball over the goalie to score.
Dannevirke maintained the pressure and an excellent corner kick found the net amongst a melee of players. From then on it was a seesaw battle, Marist’s frontline looking capable of an equaliser any time but resolute defence particularly from Trish Sweetman, Karla Nikora Chase and Nicole Bourke kept them out.
Unfortunately top of the table Levin won its final match to take the Manawatu Women’s Football Second Grade title, Dannevirke second equal with Marist Avengers.