Illawarra footballers channelled the perseverance of Matildas great Julie Porter on the weekend, taking to the field for the legend's new namesake cup.
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The Julie Porter Cup kicked off on Sunday, with eight division one women's teams ready to battle it out over the coming weeks.
After relentless wet weather and postponed games, the women finally got their chance to play in the sun, taking to the synthetic field at Ian McLennan Park.
Although the wet weather had left the players a little out of practice, the opening round of competition was an opportunity to find their groove again, Head of the Women's Football Council Emi Skopal said.
"It's tough because the teams have struggled to train," she said
"Sunday's game was the most football they've played in a month, they haven't been able to find indoor or other fields to get some skills in."
As Porter herself watched from the clubhouse, the teams put on an impressive first round.
For Bulli, the match was their first dalliance into the division one competition, and it showed on the scoreboard.
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The other games were more evenly matched, with Woonona Sharks taking a 2-nil win from the Thirroul Firebirds.
The Kiama Quarriers lost to the Shellharbour Scorpions by two.
The Warilla Wanderers were forced to forfeit their match against the Albion Park White Eagles after several players were struck down by COVID-19.
The rain has shrouded the next round in uncertainty, but Skopal is keen to get players back on their home turf.
"We're hoping and praying the rain will dry up and the teams will be able to host their club matches," she said.
The Men's District League also played their seventh round over the weekend, taking to the synthetic field for a Super Saturday of back-to-back games.
University defeated the Thirroul Thunder 3-nil, climbing to the top of the ladder. Helensburgh scored four goals against Fernhill, beating them by two.
Unanderra Hearts comfortably took the win from the Picton Rangers in a 4-nil game, while Shell Cove FC scored five goals against the Warilla Wanderers to win the match.
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