Clarence Zebras have defeated the Olympia FC Warriors 4-1 to claim the Women’s Summer Cup. Center-forward Zoe Nichols nabbed a great hat-trick to lead the Zebras to victory at KGV.
Claire Green was given center referee which tied in wonderfully with the Female Football Week celebrations.
Isabella Ferrier opening the scoring for the Zebras in the 14th minute when Nichols tackled sent in a cross in for Ferrier who finished her effort past Warrior’s keeper Jenna Farrow.
Innocent Michael equalised for the Warriors shortly after, getting on the tightest angle to shoot and somehow it went passed Zebras keeper Amelia Vanderniet.
Nichols began her hat-trick in the 30th minute when a pile of bodies collided off a corner kick which left her to pick up the pieces and somehow get a final touch off her knee for the 2-1 lead.
In the 57th minute Louisa Marmion’s shot in the second half was saved by Farrow but Nichols was there to bang it in for her second of the game.
Credit Tanner Coad
Caitlin Stalker combined wonderfully with Nichols through the middle of the pitch which left Nichols to finish cooly for her hat-trick in the 68th minute.
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Zebras proved why they are the team to beat for this season with that impressive victory over their rivals from last season.
As for Olympia they will hope to learn from the defeat and switch their focus to the league for their opening match with Kingborough Lions.
Referee Development Manager Tony Peart praised Claire Green (center ref), Nathan Coad (assistant ref 1), Emma Hall (assist ref 2), and Montgomery Piesse (4th official) for their achievements today.
“I want to praise them all for their hard work and efforts,” Peart said.
“For doing their pre match homework and self assessments, their dedication to their training.”
There is no doubt that all of their hard work has paid off and I can bet we will see them featured throughout the season.
