Girls get a kick showing their skills

Geraldton footballers Tiarna Kanny and Sam Websdale stole the show at the girls’ exhibition match in Yalgoo last Saturday, claiming best a field titles for their efforts in the heat.

While the “North” (Northampton and Chapman Valley players) were completely bowled over by the “South” (Towns and Railways) seven to 41, both teams were celebrated for skill demonstration and development, as well as their successful test of Yalgoo’s new Core Stadium, a $1.5 million development.

Great Northern Football League operations manager Alex Bunney, who co-ordinated the game, said Kanny and Websdale impressed the most with their performance.

“Kanny was the North ruckman,” he said. “She won the majority of hit-outs all day and did a fair bit of running in the heat.

“Websdale, who played for the South, was probably the most skilful player on the field and the best ball user on the day.”

The exhibition match was part of Yalgoo’s community open day, which featured an Auskick clinic, a barbecue and other activities.

Yalgoo Shire president Joanne Kanny said many towns thrive on sport and she hoped Yalgoo’s new facilities, which include a turfed football oval and refurbished clubrooms, would help nurture athletic talent.

“We all know that an active and sporting lifestyle is key to good emotional and physical health," Mrs Kanny said.

“These facilities will help regional residents reap these benefits and, who knows, we may even unearth some new sporting talent.”