Narrogin players help power Collie to inaugural win in cup as part of Festival of Soccer

Collie Power Soccer Club claimed the first Narrogin Cup as part of the Narrogin Festival of Soccer at Thomas Hogg Oval last Saturday. The inaugural festival consisted of junior clinics and exhibition matches and was a huge success, with more than 80 kids from kindy to Year 12 participating in clinics and games to promote the sport in the region. The two exhibition matches between Collie Power Soccer Club and Albany Rovers Football Club were played with high intensity as they competed for the inaugural cup. Albany Rovers began the men’s game on the front foot, pressing Collie Power, who had eight Narrogin locals playing, and controlling possession. Using the momentum, Albany Rovers took the lead in the 20th minute with a sublime left-foot finish by Justin Bielecki from outside the box. Collie Power rallied and began to control the game and soon equalised through Jac Hollins after a darting run inside and cool finish, found the corner of the net. After the half-time break, both teams looked to push for the lead but an ill-timed tackle on Collie Power striker Mark Tenney gifted him a penalty, which was duly dispatched. Collie Power then extended their lead after a goalkeeper error gave a grateful Fr Jayan Johnson, Narrogin’s local Catholic priest, a simple tap-in. Although Albany Rovers made it 3-2 with a well-placed header by Sam Jackson, a late free kick from Tenney ensured Collie Power finished 4-2 winners. In the women’s game, Collie Power dominated early, breaking through the defence several times; however, they lacked the clinical finish and after numerous chances the score remained nil-all at the break. It was more of the same in the second half but against the run of play, Albany Rovers’ Melina Franklin squeezed a goal in the corner to give her side a 1-0 lead. Despite Collie Power’s best efforts, they could not equalise and Albany Rovers ran out winners. Organisers hope to make the Narrogin Festival of Soccer an annual event.