GRAND FINAL
Umina v Southern Ettalong
League Champions Umina will meet Southern Ettalong in the 2022 WPL First Grade Grand Final as the two best and most consistent teams of the season will battle it out this Sunday for the title of 2022 WPL Premiers
These two sides met just two weeks ago as Umina got the best of Southern with a 3-0 victory. Although 3-0 looks quite convincing on paper, Southern Ettalong started the better of the two teams and if the Lionesses were able to capitalise on any of their early chances it could have changed the whole trajectory of the game. The 3-0 win allowed Umina to enjoy a weekend off as the League Champions booked their spot in the Grand Final. Not only are Umina entering the weekend as the 2022 League Champions, but the E-Gals are also the reigning premiers after winning the last WPL Grand Final back in 2020 against Gosford. That match was played at Central Coast Stadium and after an intense battle, Steve Donaldson and his side got the job done in penalties. Umina who had a far from ideal start to the season where they lost 3 straight games in the middle of the year, are now on a 10-game winning streak and have not looked like losing in quite a while.
Umina will look for the experienced and influential players of Gemma Crowson and Kate Styles to carry this side to victory again this Sunday. 2020 WPL Player of the Year Gemma Crowson has recently found her season-best form as her coach has compared her recent performances to 2020. As for her teammate Kate Styles, the attacking prowess Styles possess is extremely commendable and the opposition backline will need to be at their best to keep these two quiet. Umina finished the season with the best defensive record and their back four fortress was evident two weeks ago as they became the only team this season to keep Southern goalless in ninety minutes of football. Coming up against the best attack in the competition, the back four and their goalkeeper will need to be at their absolute best again this weekend if they wish to lift the trophy after full time.
Steve Donaldson spoke about his previous Grand Final encounter in 2020 compared to this weekend’s match. “We’re pumped to be in two consecutive grand finals. We were underdogs in the last one against an incredible Gosford team. This time, we’re probably favourites, which holds a bit more pressure. But we’ve dealt with pressure all year with every team wanting a bite out of us so hopefully, we deal with it again this Sunday.”
Donaldson spoke highly of the opposition and also the emotional factors that go into a Grand Final. “Southern possess a really strong frontline as everyone is well aware. Marcus has really excelled with them through this season and has done a great job at Southern. Having two teams in the grand final is no easy feat, so a massive congratulations to him for what he’s achieved. Grand finals are a totally different game. The emotions that come with it are what set apart the winners and losers. We have a very experienced team that has been at this stage many times. If we can keep our emotions in check, we have every chance of taking it out”
Southern Ettalong with still be feeling the highs after their late winner which guaranteed them a spot in this weekend’s Grand Final. For the second week straight, Southern started on the front foot, looking to take it to Terrigal from the get-go. It was none other than the 2022 WPL Golden Boot Winner Emily Diaz who grabbed the first goal of the game to put her side ahead with a tremendous strike outside the 18-yard box. It was Diaz again just moments later who doubled Southern lead when she once again found the back of a net with a well-finished strike. The Lionesses went into half-time two goals to the good and looked extremely comfortable to carry out the win in the second half. However, a fired-up Terrigal restored the scoreline to 2-2 as the game looked to be heading into extra time. One last chance in the ninetieth minute saw Letisha McCormack dribbled the ball down the left and fire home to send her side into the Grand Final.
After going down 3-0 the previous week, Southern Ettalong rallied together to get the job done which shows their willingness and drive to finish the year lifting the Premiers trophy. Southern enters Sunday with a negative record against the E-Gals this season, after defeating Umina 1-0 in their first encounter, they haven’t been able to get the best of this side in their following two encounters going down 3-1 and 3-0. But none of that matters come Sunday when the two teams step on the field for the final WPL match of the year. Grand Finals are always unpredictable, and Marcus Warwick will have his team well drilled as they look to cause an upset over Umina. Southern will be well prepared after getting on Pluim Park 1 last weekend and the Lionesses will need another fast start against Umina. Southern will be out to end Umina’s quest of picking up every trophy on offer and end their fantastic season as 2022 WPL Premiers.
Marcus Warwick stated that after a tough game, his team are fully fit and well prepared for the next challenge. “The team pulled up physically great, a very mentally draining game, really pulled it out of the hat in the last minute but that’s football, it’s what makes the spectators excited and love the game. We had a good night at training and enjoyed the fact the full squad got to train together as we are in both finals this weekend. A truly remarkable result, and one that not many clubs will ever achieve.”
“Umina is a formidable opponent! They are champions for a reason, and on a huge win streak for a reason, Steven has done a great job at understanding his team but more importantly them as individuals, winning this weekend will be the toughest task we face in 2022, and won’t come easily, but I believe in my team! And I believe if we execute the game plan, we can become the champions. I wish Umina the best of luck and look forward to the challenge of their brilliant football style. We will come out 100 miles an hour and so will Umina. This time though we must keep up the full 90 minutes. All the best to everyone involved this weekend, and let’s enjoy great football and this experience,” ushered an excited Warwick ahead of his two teams playing Grand Final Football.
MATCH OFFICIAL – Damien Bury
