MATCH OF THE ROUND
Kanwal 1 – 1 Terrigal
On a big day for Kanwal at Wadalba Sports Complex, the Bulls weren’t able to successfully hold onto their first half lead as the two sides split the points this past Sunday in the round 16 match of the round.
It was a very tight affair between these two clubs from the moment the game started as both teams looks to gain the advantage. Kanwal entered this match of the round fixture having several first graders out through covid and injury, Jen Reeves, Megan Green, Molly Couch, and Stacey Thompson all remained off the team sheet. It was an important club day for Kanwal who were celebrating past players and club sponsors which brought a big crowd. Kanwal was able to use this home-ground advantage as they broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a well-taken goal from midfielder Courtney Smith, the Bulls were able to hold their lead into the halftime break.
The break served Terrigal well as the O’lasses were able to make adjustments in their attack at halftime and reap the benefits just five minutes into the second half when Jordyn Toms-Wedge was on hand to find the back of the net and level the score. The game remained very back and forth for the remainder of the contest but neither team was able to capitalise on their opportunities as the score finished 1-1. With that point, Terrigal now find themselves on top of the WPL ladder thanks to their goal difference.
Terrigal Assistant coach Peter Blair stated post-game that he believes the draw was a fair result for both sides who played excellent football on the day. “The game on Sunday against Kanwal was as we had predicted, a very tight game with the contest going from one end to the other. I think both sides played tremendous football which made for a very exciting contest. Good luck to Kanwal, I am sure they will trouble some of the more fancied sides over the remainder of the season.”
Kanwal Allan Bourke also shared a similar response as he too thought it was a very tough, tight contest. “It was a hard-fought draw and quite even in general play. However, Terrigal probably had more of the scoring opportunities. The final score probably a fair result in the end.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Darryn Eyndhoven
Umina 21 – 0 Wyong
This past Sunday saw a dominant Umina side score 21 unanswered goals past a struggling Wyong side to claim the biggest win in the WPL season and as a result the E-Gals jumped into the top four.
Umina hit the ground running and opened the scoring in just the 4th minute through a Gemma Crowson shot that riffled the back of the net. From this point on it was quite clear that Wyong’s squad were already struggling after the majority of their reserve grade players had to back up and start for first grade. Although both teams’ efforts were equal, the first half concluded with Umina heading into the break 11-0 up with Kate Styles scoring four of those goals.
Unfortunately for Wyong, things did not get any easier in the second period as the onslaught from Umina continued which resulted in another 10 unanswered goals in the last 45 minutes. Kate Styles finished the game with seven goals to her name. Hannah Batten found her name on the scoresheet five times, Gemma Crowson and Hayley Fulwood both recorded hattricks while Nicole Carmichael was also able to record a single goal which shot Umina inside the top four for the first time this season.
Steve Donaldson sympathised with the Wyong squad as his squad has also been through something similar in recent years. “We finished the season four years ago with only 1 squad too so we can relate to the massive effort involved. Hopefully, with such a good environment amongst the squad, they’re able to attract a few more players and be a solid team in WPL.”
As for this game, Donaldson commended the opposition goalkeeper and the outstanding effort she produced. “Although the scoreline, I’m not actually sure I’ve seen a keeper save as many shots as she did today. She would have made thirty plus and saved absolutely everything that she was expected to, and more, Unreal. As our match fitness last week was poor, it was a matter of using these ninety minutes to try and get a boost for the remainder of the year as two game weeks in a row seem hard to come by at the moment. Credit to my girls for sticking in for the full ninety, but an even bigger one to see the Wyong girls with all smiles on their faces as the game finished up.”
Wyong’s Andrew Halton admitted the opposition was too much for them on the day. “Umina’s strong possession game was too much for Wyong’s 13 tired legs. The girls gave everything they had in the tank right until the end which I’m so proud of. To continue playing the way they do each week with tired legs is amazing. Shoutout to the Umina squad and their coaches for the respect shown towards the girls.”
MATCH OFFICIAL – Graeme Gurr
Golden Boot Standings –
| 23 | Emily Diaz (Southern) |
| 16 | Candice Phelan (Terrigal) |
| 11 | Laura Mundy (Woy Woy), Kate Styles (Umina) |
| 9 | Yasemin Lawson (East Gosford), Kelly Hogan (East Gosford), Hannah Batten (Umina) |
Points Table –
Club Championship –
