The Alexandra United Women’s Football team finished the season on a high by taking out the championship in the annual Alexandra Seven-A-Side tournament.

A total of 36 teams from all over Otago, Central Lakes, Southland and Canterbury took part in the event last weekend, including the Alexandra Masters Men's team which also won its grade for the second year running.

Alexandra United Women’s team spokesperson Anna Robb said the team was making solid progress and she was proud of their commitment.

It was their second year in the tournament, after getting knocked out last year in the semi final round, and this year they were back and keen to perform on their home pitch.

“Some of these teams have been together and coming to Alex every year to play this tournament for more than 15 years,” Anna said.

“I can report that the petrol stations sold out of bags of ice and almost all accommodation was fully booked with loads of people here for the tournament.”

On Saturday they played five games, won four and had one draw, finishing top of their pool. 

They won their first game on Sunday against Dunedin's Basic Pitches, then won a penalty shootout in the semi final against the Socca Foccas, to progress to clinch the final in a nail biting match against a tough Wānaka side, who looked strong all tournament. 

Em Lawro contests for the ball with a Cromwell College player. Photo: Supplied

“Goal keeper Mel Knight was outstanding all tournament, scored a goal while she was in goal, and stepped up to slot a penalty in the first shoot out, while managing an injured calf,” Anna said.

Youngster Emily Gorrell made her debut for the team, attracting attention with her pace and determination, with a referee commenting that she had a very bright future in the sport.

Football united all ages with girls as young as 13 lacing up their boots to play alongside grandmothers in their 50s. 

The Cromwell Women’s team 'The Junction Jennies' finished third in their group on Saturday (October 11) with two wins, a draw and a loss. 

They came up against Queenstown Football Club, but went down in their quarter final on Sunday.

Anna said the Alexandra team had a few big defeats this season in their 11-a-side games, so a win in the sevens made it that much sweeter, “especially as we almost ran our legs off in this tournament. There will be a few people feeling it for the next few days”.

She said following the first year of a formal Central Lakes Women's Football League, all of the Central Lakes women have been improving, honing their skills and working on teamwork. 

“It’s so cool to see all the girls out there cheering each other on, wherever they come from and whoever they’re playing for.”

All the local clubs will be looking forward to the next season kicking off in March. 

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