Southern & Ettalong v Terrigal
Southern & Ettalong look to end their subpar year on a high and become the first team in 2023 to hand the newly crowned WPL First Grade League Champions Terrigal a defeat in the final match of the round of the year.
Following their remarkable season in 2022 making the WPL Grand Final, Southern entered the 2023 season with lofty aspirations, fuelled by the memory of their previous conquest.
However, as the final round of the year approaches, the Lionesses find themselves grappling with an unexpected reversal of fortune, marked by a record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 14 losses.
The transition from the previous season to the current one brought about a significant overhaul of personnel, a transformation that was bound to present challenges throughout the Lionesses’ campaign.
Despite the odds stacked against them, SEU has demonstrated an unwavering resolve, consistently taking to the field week after week with a relentless spirit, a quality that can be attributed to both the grit of their players and the unwavering commitment of their coaching staff.
“The foundation of any team is one that has a common goal and is prepared to dig deep together when the matches are hard, when the players are missing, when the momentum is not going your way. Southern has that,” remarked Julia Smith.
No side has been able to crack the code which is Terrigal and in the previous to encounters the Lionesses have faced the O’lasses, Southern have failed to record a single goal against the best defensive side in the competition, losing 9-0 and 5-0.
But like every week, Southern will be determined and ready to give it their all as meet the League Champions on the pristine pitch of Pluim Park.
“We are not disillusioned by the talent we have to play against on Sunday with Terrigal however I can guarantee that the Lions will take to the field and ensure Terrigal earns any points they may walk away with.”
Jules also mentioned, “and if Southern are the ones to take the three points this week, we will have deserved each and every one of those points by the sheer tenacity, determination, sportsmanship they display on a field week in and week out on the CCF fields.”
Terrigal will enter the final game week still feeling the highs of last week’s monumental win over East Gosford, a win that created history for the club as Terrigal clinched the title of 2023 WPL First Grade League Champions.
This is an honour and achievement new to this club whose WPL side had never won silverware before Sunday. Only one goal separated Terrigal and East Gosford last round and it came via the boot of a returning Candice Phelan as the phenomenal striker did what she does best and found the back of the net for her side.
A lot of Terrigal’s success this season can be put down to their new head coach Gab Blanch who voiced how amazing it was to see her players be crowned League Champions.
“I am so pleased for the players. It’s a direct reflection of their dedication to each other. It’s also a reflection of our Club’s dedication to the female program. I feel it’s no coincidence, it’s been in the works for years before my time – it’s amazing to see it come together this way.”
Now Terrigal has a chance to create even more history this Sunday and finish the season unbeaten, a truly incredible feat in any competition. “(Finishing the year undefeated) is not something we ever spoke about. Our goal was to set a culture that fostered a unique brand of football,” explained Gab.
“We placed a high level of expectation on the players, and we made sure everyone was enjoying the ride. Remaining unbeaten at such a late stage of the season is a nice little feather in our cap, however, we remain cautious about the motivation this offers other teams to take points from us.”
Although Terrigal has scored fewer goals this season than the rest of the top four teams, it’s their defence that has been their foundation for success this season as their backline has only conceded an astonishing 7 goals in 17 games.
With their attention now on Southern, Terrigal will look to build as much momentum as possible heading into finals.
“In the first two rounds we faced Southern, we saw two very different teams. We know they have quality between the posts, and I think this weekend they’ll be up for it, being the last weekend of their season. We will have to be at our best to get the three points.”
Although they have their sights firmly set on this weekend’s clash, Gab gave us an insight into who she thinks has the biggest point to prove come the 2023 Finals Series.
“I think each team competing in finals this year, in their own right, has something to prove. We’d obviously love to go all the way, following the season we had. Umina has a title to defend.”
“East Gosford have scored a huge amount of goals and will want to rely on that statistic throughout the campaign. And Kanwal, I believe, has the dark horse status. It’s probably an on the fence response, but I think the top four this year are all worthy of the win.”
Match Official – Michael Tohme
All Round 21 Fixtures –
