The girls have earned their spot in the ACT side after showing selectors their playing skills some weeks ago. They will be up against 11 teams from all over NSW, Stockmen Under 17 Women’s coach John Thomas said.

“The seven girls from our team are Elle Thomas, Kiara Davis, Shanay Mitchell, Jennaya Ottaway, Bronte Wildin, Pearl Rakete and Frances Lonergain,” Mr Thomas said.

“I am going to watch them today and I’m looking forward to seeing how the ACT team compares with the sides from Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong and other parts of the state.

“Our girls have improved greatly since the start of the season in all aspects of their play and they will be backing up on Friday night for an important game against Woden –Weston at the Workers Arena.”

Goulburn is leading the ACT competition, having lost only one game to Gungahlin, who they will play again at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan on August 8.

“Friday night is the girls second last home game and we are hoping there will be a big crowd there to support them and to see what women’s league is all about,” Mr Thomas said.

“I would encourage any girls who are even just slightly interested in the idea of playing league to come along and watch this game.

“We are keen to keep the Goulburn women’s team going and will be looking for new players for the competition next year.

“The rivalry between the Goulburn side and the ACT teams is really strong because they do not like being challenged by teams from outside the capital.

“The last time the Stockmen played Woden-Weston it was a really fierce contest, and as this is the second last home game and third game before the finals we are expecting plenty of action.

“It should be a really good evening with two other games scheduled for the night including the boys under 16s.

“It will be interesting to see how the girls back up on Friday after today’s competition, when they will be opposing some of the players they teamed with for the NSW Schools competition.”

On Friday night the girls play at 6.30pm.