And so the story goes..........

Saturday 13 June, 2009. A round seven clash in the 10th Grade, Stop Out Barton versus Wainuiomata Te Whiti Park.

Pleasant calm conditions above with no wind (great earthquake weather!), and very soft it was underfoot. 

Big pressure on both sides today with both, playing catch up already this season. Both winless and chasing the pack.

Our Barton 10th graders are an all girl squad. And although they have found the initial rounds frustrating, their results thus far would confirm that their first win in a predominantly male environment was not that far away. Was it to be today?

Both Barton and Wainui were aware of the importance of this match, both sides would therefore be a little cautious in the opening quarter.  As the first half progressed on though, the red and blacks started to finally dominate the midfield, the chances coming now frequently for the frontline. 

Sadly though for the remainder of the half, Stop Out were faltering in front of goal. But with about five minutes to go before the break, a well taken left foot strike from Jess Howes would finally give Barton a well deserved halftime one goal advantage.

After taking a one goal lead a week earlier against Lower Hutt only to lose 3-1, Stop Out Barton were thinking de ja vu as Wainuiomata came back into to the match with a goal early in the second spell to tie things up. What hair coaches Luke Jansen and Steven Eveleigh had, was now gone.

Stop Out maintained their dominance for the balance of the second half and therefore maintained their right to take the three points. And that they did. Bonnie Jansen had a fine game with a huge work rate and would make it 2-1 with a great goal, (her post goal celebration was marginal however) and Jessie Howes getting her second to give Stop Out Barton a 3-1 win over Wainuiomata. 

It was a great team effort from our girls as Stop Out Barton 10th grade. Their season is now underway! 

Dedication, celebration, elation - the girls did good!