It began badly, with both Division 3 and Division 4 being defeated by their opponents (Palerang and Queanbeyan) 2-1, in close-fought Round 1 matches.

But the initial losses only increased the determination of the teams to do better, and in games at Walker Park for Round 2, Division 3 romped home, defeating Gungahlin Utd 5-1 while Division 4 was victorious over Palering Utd with a score of 7-1.

In the most recent games, held in Kaleen on April 17, the winning streak continued, with Division 3 defeating Belsouth 6-1, and Division 4 mirroring that success by emerging triumphant over Gungahlin Utd with the same 6-1 score.

For coach Kath Farnell it has been an amazing experience and she attributes the recent successes to solid teamwork and a positive approach.

“I think the reason we’re doing so well this year is because the girls are playing as a team in a supportive environment,” she said.

“In previous years we may have had 11 great players on the field but not necessarily one team, whereas now we’ve got two great teams because everybody is working together.”

Kath’s approach to coaching emphasises fun and fitness.

“This is all about enjoying the game so I don’t put any pressure on what the score is.

“Sometimes the girls will come up and say ‘what’s the score?’ and my answer is always the same: ‘I don’t know what the score is but I know you girls are playing really well’.”

“It’s also important for the girls to get exercise so they can last through the game and keep on running as they dribble the ball down the field over and over, so that’s something we emphasise in training sessions.”

This Sunday (May 1) the ladies will again be playing on home turf at Walker Park, with Division 3 up against Brindabella at 12 noon and Division 4 taking on the UC Pumas at 2pm.

Given that both Lady Redback teams are sitting in position 3 on the ladder, several rungs above their competitors, Kath is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming matches.

“We’ve only played three games so far but if the standard of the other teams is similar to what we’ve been up against, then I think there might be two grand final wins for our girls this year and we’d encourage everyone to come and watch the games on Sunday.”