Moss Vale played against Crookwell who finished the normal season undefeated at the top of the ladder. Moss Vale lost three matches throughout the year and finished in second spot. 

The two teams faced off in the major semi-final on September 17 and Crookwell took a 6-2 victory.

Crookwell progressed straight to the grand final while Moss Vale played in the preliminary final against Mittagong. 

Moss Vale won the match 1-0 and progressed to the grand final to play Crookwell once more. 

Moss Vale White coach Stewart Davidson said the win against Mittagong gave the team the confidence they needed to play Crookwell in the grand final.

“It’s going to be a tough game. They are undefeated so we will have to work very hard. We had a tough game against them in the semi-final but we weren’t able to do it,” he said. 

“Plenty of teams go through to the grand final undefeated and then get knocked off. I’m confident in our girls but it will definitely not be easy.” 

But it wasn’t meant to be for Moss Vale. At half time, Crookwell had a 3-0 lead over the team.

After the break Jennifer Wattel scored for Moss Vale which put the score at 3-1.

The team were unable to keep up their momentum and neither side scored for the remainder of the match. 

Stewart said his team played with a lot of effort. 

“Crookwell have been the gun side all year and we haven’t been able to knock them off,” he said. 

“They were the side to beat this season but we couldn’t make it, they put up a hard fight and our girls put in a tremendous effort.”

By the end of the decider, every Moss Vale player had hit the back of the net at least once. 

“We’ve had a fantastic year and all of the girls have shown so much improvement, I am one very proud coach,” Davidson said.

Player of the match was awarded to Moss Vale goal keeper Tabitha Will. 

”Tabitha had a great season and she worked really hard for Moss Vale, well deserved,” Davidson said. 

Highlands Soccer Association director of competitions & systems Danny Josipovic said the match was a thriller. 

“Moss Vale put up a very good fight and kept the Crookwell on their toes. The ball was constantly sent up and down the field which showed just how close it was.”

Crookwell coach Michael Boulton said Moss Vale pushed the team right through the match. 

“Moss Vale played a really tough game. But they all played in great spirit and I think everyone out there really enjoyed themselves.”

Annie Croker scored for Crookwell which took her goal tally to 53 for the season.