Former goalkeeper turn striker Jess Daymond named Bathurst District Football women's first grade leading goalscorer

Daymond, who played striker for Abercrombie FC in the 2021 season, was announced as the Bathurst District Football women's first grade leading goalscorer in the association's recent online presentation.

It was Daymond's second season at the club, joining after the collapse of the Western NSW FC at the end of 2019

That's where she use to play goalkeeper and where she won the women's State League Goalkeeper of the Year award back in 2015.

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But since linking with Abercrombie, she's turned into a constant goal threat, scoring 18 goals in a COVID-19 interrupted season, so it seems unlikely she'll be donning the gloves anytime soon.

"It wasn't too bad of an effort," she said.

"Obviously with the amount of the games we played and with COVID cutting things short it made it a bit of an interesting season, but I was pretty happy with the 18 goals I got."

This year was Daymond's second year at Abercrombie following the collapse of Western NSW FC and after returning to play locally, she was adamant she wouldn't be playing goalkeeper.

"Obviously Mariners came to a bit of a halt for the females, so we all sort of broke up between the local teams," she said.

"I said I wouldn't play keeper at the local level again, so I decided to play out on the field.

"We all sort of swapped around positions. Poorsha [McPhillamy] was a big contributor until she went off with an injured hand. I think everyone put in a very solid effort where ever we were playing."

Abercrombie's season was ultimately cut short when the COVID-19 lockdown saw all competitions abandon.

Play never resumed and the minor premiership was ultimately awarded to Panorama on a points per game system, with Abercrombie missing out on a trophy.

Daymond, who will be playing at Abercrombie again in 2022, is confident her team can win the grand final next season.

"I think we have a big chance, in all honesty," she said.

"For most of the season we played with eight or nine players, so we were lucky to field a team. I think we did bloody good with what we had, so I think we'll go pretty well if we get a full team together."

Daymond won the leading goal scorer award ahead of Mudgee Wolves talent Jessica Solomoni.

In other grades, CSU's Summer Weekes was awarded the prize in second grade based on a goal per game ratio and in third grade, Churches United's Laura Locke won the accolade.

In the best and fairest, Panorama's Teegan Ward was too good in women's first grade, her tally of 24 points 11 better then Solomoni in second.

Daymond finished the count in third, ahead of Macquarie United duo Anna Coombes and Amy Parker in fourth and fifth respectively.

In the lower grades, CSU's Leah Barber won in second grade with 17 points, while in third grade the accolade went to Lithgow Workmen's Club footballer Bethany Wilkinson.

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