Teenager charges to star status - September 3 2007
Teenager charges to star status
By Teo Pellizzeri
September 3 2007
Shepparton News
Derya Tanrikulu went from bright prospect to legitimate star status when the Tatura striker won the women's North Eastern Soccer League best and fairest on Saturday night.
Tanrikulu turned 14 during the season but age was no barrier for the quick and clever striker, whose 23 goals was the third highest tally in the league and led the Ibises to second place on the ladder.
Jess Theobald of Shepparton United was runner up in the vote count with 19 votes to Tanrikulu's 21, but took home the golden boot for her phenomenal 39-goal season.
The best performance from Tanrikulu during the season came in round 12 when her hat-trick toppled then unbeaten Shepparton United for the first and only time of the home and away season, 3-2.
Shy and modest, Tanrikulu said she was flattered to have won the league's best and fairest award.
"I just want to say thank you to my family, my coach Mimmo (Lia) and all my teammates," Tanrikulu said.
"The game against United was the best I played during the year, maybe we can beat them again in the finals."
Tatura president and women's coach Lia said the Tatura club had been blown away by the maturity Tanrikulu had shown on the field during the season.
"The club is very excited for her, she's won a prestigious award as a young player and everyone's delighted," Lia said.
"We don't pin all our goalscoring hopes on her, but she's done the job for us this year and hopefully it can continue for a couple more weeks."
Theobald said she was looking forward to facing off with Tanrikulu when firstplaced United plays Tatura for a spot in the grand final next weekend.
"I get along really well with Derya, but it will be a good rivalry next week," Theobald said.
"I had a good start to the year goals-wise and fell into a little hole in the middle, but I recovered well because the midfield girls really played well.
"We have a great coach in Megan Carr and I love playing in this team, so hopefully we can carry on the form and get into the grand final."
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