THE contrasting scenes, one of jubilation and one of devastation, said it all after Oxley High School's run in the CHS Puma Cup girls' soccer competition came to an end at the hands of Port Hacking High in an absolute thriller.
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After almost 70 minutes of football and just as spectators and players were anticipating extra time, Port Hacking's Katherine Ward slotted the match-winner in the final 10 seconds of the match to give her team a 3-2 win at Marius Street yesterday.
Oxley twice came back from a one-goal deficit, Ashlee Davis equalising in the first half and Jess McLean converting a penalty shot for a deliberate handball in the penalty box with about five minutes remaining to tie up the match at two-all.
In the end there wasn't much in it with both teams showing great skill in attack and defence.
Oxley coach Dennis Bailey was very proud of the performance of his team, and the way that they didn't give up despite trailing, particularly after Port Hacking's second goal midway through the second half.
"They got the ball back up to their end and worked hard for the penalty," Bailey said.
Oxley had the better of the chances and field position in the first half, Bailey said but just couldn't convert them.
He said everyone played with great enthusiasm and did their job competently with Jess McLean, Rebecca Lange, Courtney Biggs and Tarran Hearfield doing some great work.
Port Hacking coach Ian Percival said it was their hardest game in the competition so far.
"I wouldn't have complained if Oxley had won," he said.
"It was a very even game but the bounce of the ball went our way."
Percival said the difference was that they took their chances while Oxley didn't convert enough of theirs.
PORT HACKING HIGH 3 (Katherine Ward 2, Amanda Gowing gls) d OXLEY HIGH SCHOOL 2 (Ashlee Davis, Jess McLean gls).
