Two big weeks for Calgary women's footy

The Calgary Kookaburras have been in full flight over the past fortnight, having held two very successful fund-raising functions and played matches #9 & #10 of the metro league.

On Friday, August 16, we held our first annual Slave Auction at our sponsor pub, Loco Lou's Bar & Grill. The venue had been kind enough to organize a free buffet and pint of Big Rock beer for everybody in attendance. Kookaburras travelling to US Nationals in October each donated a service that could be bid on, ranging from rides in Muscles' viper to Witchy's services as a professional wine clerk and even Jake's too-tight red footy training shorts! A good crowd turned out, including representatives of club sponsors Ascent Consulting and Allied Land. A total of $3,600 was raised for the club, which puts us well on our way to reaching our Nationals fund-raising target of $10,000.


On Sunday, August 18, the Kingfishers and Nighthawks went into battle at QEII School in Hillhurst. Playing 8-a-side, the Kingfishers got out to an early 3-goal lead, and would have been feeling very comfortable at half time, having kept the Nighthawks quiet. That all changed in the second half, as coach Jake's rousing 3/4 time address spurred the Nighthawks into a goal frenzy that secured a comfortable victory.

Special mention goes to Lesley "Chucky" Zmurchuk for kicking three goals in her second game, and to 'Hawks co-captain Lori "Boss" Bossert for a best-on-ground performance.

Final scores:
Nighthawks 6.5.41 def. Kingfishers 4.3.27

Goals:
Nighthawks: Zmurchuk 3, Goodfellow 2, Greatwich.
Kingfishers: Greenwood, LeBlanc, Leon, Zakus.

On Friday, August 22nd, the Kookaburras held our first annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction at Bottlescrew Bill's Pub Downtown. Hosted by X92.9 morning show DJ Roger Kingkade, the event was a well-organized riot of amusing questions and challenges covering topics from geography and general knowledge to the Kookaburras and building Aussie landmarks out of play-dough. With over a hundred guests in attendance, including club sponsors Richmond Hill Wines and Runge Mining, the event was a huge success and raised $1,500 for the club. A big thank-you goes out to everybody who donated items to the silent auction, and to Beck "VB" Jones for organizing the successful night.


The following morning a tired assortment of players turned up for round 10 of the metro league. Held on a dodgy surface at Branton Junior High in Banff Trail, the Kingfishers paid a price for fielding a side short on talls and experienced midfielders. Rookie Jess "Pipes" Green put in a solid ruck performance for the Kingfishers, matching up on fast-improving Nighthawks ruckwoman Laura "Sticks" Bily. The 'Hawks got out to an early first half lead, and the 'Fishers were never quite able to reel them back in despite two 15-metre penalties and allowed Diana "Princess" Leon and Kat "Mumf" Mumford shots on goal.

Best-on-ground for the day once again was Lori "Boss" Bossert for the Nighthawks, with three goals and a solid midfield performance. Kingfishers co-captain Kathryn "Gangles" Zakus battled admirably to hold together her midfield and will be looking for revenge on Sept. 13.


Final scores:
Nighthawks 5.8.38 def. Kingfishers 3.5.23

Goals:
Nighthawks: Bossert 3, Greatwich, O'Rae.
Kingfishers: Leon, Mumford, Zakus.

The metro league results, ladder and goal-kickers can be viewed on the metro league page.