Umina v Terrigal
Reigning League Champions Terrigal will be eager to get their season underway when they travel to Umina Oval to battle against an E-gals side looking to make their mark against the competition favourites in front of a home crowd.
Umina will look a little different this season as they farewell Steve Donaldson and welcome back Michael Penn as their First Grade coach. Michael finds himself in an extremely similar role at the club as he was Umina’s WPL coach for three seasons back from 2016 to 2018.
“I know many of the club’s players and coaches, so returning to Umina was an easy transition for me,” voiced Penn.
The transition of coaches always has a major impact on any team, and with Umina being one of the competition’s heavyweights for almost a decade, Penn suggests his side will be going through a transitional year after losing some key, experienced players.
“Since 2016 Umina has been one of the top performing teams in this league, this was in part due to not suffering player migration and therefore consistency in the playing squad.”
“However, the squad is now in a transitional phase due to attrition, not migration, but we have acquired some quality players in the off-season to replace our lost players. We are in the process of solidifying our new game structure and strategies.”
Penn also added, “This season will be about setting the foundations for the squad to build upon so that they can attain success not only this season but for many seasons to come. Moral is excellent amongst the players, confidence is high and everyone is looking forward to the new season.”
With a change to the competition structure of WPL in 2024 and the addition of a new team in Woongarrah, there has been plenty of player movement between clubs as Penn suggests Umina won’t be the only club entering a transitional phase in 2024.
“I believe some other teams are also in a transition phase as many players appear to have moved around. I think the teams that were not affected by player migration should be the most consistent performers this season.”
“I also think the second half of the season will be tighter as teams that have introduced new structures and game plans will have had time to perfect them.”
As for their opening fixture opponents, Umina are well aware Terrigal will once again be a heavy favourite to take out the competition in 2024 but in recent years Umina Oval has served as a fortress for the E-gals and they will be hoping that fortress can remain strong when they welcome the defending League Champions.
“Terrigal appears to be one of the teams unaffected by player movement and have had a good pre-season start, therefore will be buoyed by their performance. I expect them to be confident that their winning streak will continue and apply pressure from the kick-off, as will we,” stated Penn.
It was heartbreak for Gabby Blanch and her side at the end of the last season, after going through the entire WPL competition undefeated, Terrigal recorded their one and only loss during the 2023 First Grade Grand Final to East Gosford, something this Terrigal side is looking to make amends for.
“Without a doubt, this team is back with a specific purpose,” voiced Blanch.
“I would say it’s a huge goal for the girls to get that game this year. Sure, it’s one of about 28 games in a year. But it means something, and I am hearing a great deal of motivation to get that game this year.”
Terrigal has already shown in pre-season they will once again be a force in this competition. After a tremendous showing in the Association Cup, Terrigal were crowned the 2024 Association Cup winners after a dominating 6-0 win in the Grand Final.
But despite having a tremendous showing on the field, Blanch explains pre-season for her side has been far from ideal. “Pre-season has been disjointed! I’m going to assume most clubs have experienced the same.”
“We are yet to have trained with a pitch or goals. Given its April, it’s concerning for our premier women’s team. Nonetheless, we have done our best to adapt, and it’s not an excuse as to how we show up.”
With silverware already under their belt in 2024, Blanch made her ambitions for the season ahead extremely clear. “As coaching staff, it’s our goal to win the league. I guess it goes without saying.”
“Inside of that, it’s doing what we do, but better, with more intensity, and absolutely enjoying the ride. There’s no point if there’s no joy in it.”
“We are anticipating a bit of the unknown. I know there is untapped talent on the coast. I am hoping those players have been attracted to this league, and those teams get better every week,” added Blanch when asked what she is expecting from the WPL competition this season.
Terrigal will enter their opening fixture with their confidence high but face an extremely stern test in Umina who will be dedicated to picking up a result against the current WPL champions.
Blanch believes Umina will once again be in contention within the top teams this season and is expecting a difficult game but one her side is ready for.
“Umina are going to be good this year. I believe that just on paper. They have new players that will bolster their ability, and returning players that I am sure are motivated to further succeed this year. I do not see this as an easy game, though I feel we have prepared appropriately for this.”
Match Official – Jeffrey Smith
All Round 2 Fixtures –
