A DOMINANT second half performance has seen the Oxley High School open girls soccer team progress to the final eight in the statewide Puma Trophy competition.
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Playing host to Elderslie High School at Scully Park, the side consisting of students in years seven to 12, proved too strong for their Sydney counterparts, walking away with a 2-0 win.
However, the win was hard fought as the two sides were deadlocked at 0-0 at half-time.
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The game continued to hang in the balance early in the second half until goals from Bridie O'Neill and Emma James saw the home side book their ticket into the next round of the tournament.
Oxley High School coach Darren Desmid said his side played "an attractive brand of football".
"To the team's credit, they didn't drop their heads when they weren't getting the opportunities early," he said.
"But, the brand of football they play helped them dominate the play, which was encouraging because they are a country team coming up against the winner of the Sydney South West division.
"It was a tough ask for them but they did really well, are through to the final eight and it is exciting times for them."
Desmid said the "culture at Oxley High" had a lot to do with the team's success.
"We have a really good balance in this team," he said.
"A lot of these girls are also in our under-15 side, which is due to play Bellingen High School early next term for a spot in the final 32 of the state championships.
"As well as that, nine of our girls represented the North West in the Combined High Schools soccer carnival, so we are blessed with a lot of talented players.
"All of the kids are really keen, train hard and have fun, which makes it a good culture to be a part of."
Oxley High will now play the winner of the clash between Hunter Sports High School and Woolooware High School for a place in the final four.