Kanwal v Kincumber
These two teams who went to battle on the opening day will now play each other twice in the upcoming four days including the match of the round on Sunday as the Roos hit the road to take on the Bulls.
Kanwal have had the luxury of playing their last three fixtures at their home ground of Wadalba Sports Complex, only losing once in those three games against the stern opposition of former league leaders East Gosford.
After a slow start to the season which saw the Bulls pick up only one victory in their first seven games, Jen Tatum’s side has turned a corner, recording three wins in their past four fixtures as they now find themselves with 14 points to their name and in contention to play finals.
Their slow start to their season included a contest with Kincumber on the opening day of the 2024 season which was a day to forget for the Bulls who went down 5-0 which remains their biggest defeat of the year.
Nonetheless, Kanwal found their rhythm and were on a three-game winning streak a few weeks ago while scoring 10 goals in those three games.
After a slight hiccup against the Rams where they lost 4-0, Kanwal were back to goalscoring ways last weekend but were forced to split the points with Killarney after an intense ninety minutes of action.
Kanwal will be now searching for their first victory in two games as they prepare to face Kincumber on Thursday night in a rescheduled washout fixture before playing the Roos again on Sunday afternoon as both teams have the chance of picking up a vital six points to help their chances of finishing the season inside the top four.
“Two must win games for us we need to come away with the wins,” voiced Tatum. “It’s weird to play them a few days apart. We have learnt a lot from our initial meeting with Kincumber, we just need to focus on us and come out and play.”
Tatum also voiced what her side will need to do to come away with all three points. “Need to work together and fight till the end and believe in how we play. We need these points!”
As for Kincumber, last year was their Maiden WPL season. One year later, the Roos have now established themselves as a side not to take lightly in the competition as they can compete with the best this league has to offer.
It was a perfect start to the season for John Jiggins’ side who defeated the Bulls on opening day. However, the Roos have only picked up two wins in nine fixtures since, recording victories against Killarney (3-0), and Woongarrah (4-1).
Jiggins reflected on the year so far and the difficulties they have experienced. “This year’s WPL has been tough because of all the wet weather interruptions! The competition is tough with all teams improving and being competitive!”
Despite currently sitting second last, Kincumber is only five points away from claiming that last finals spot of fourth place.
With six points up for grabs in the next four days and the confidence knowing they have what it takes to beat this team, Kincumber could end the weekend inside the top four if they can record two victories over the Bulls.
Jiggins also spoke on the difficulties playing the same team back-to-back brings as well as what he learnt from the opposition in their meeting earlier in the season.
“Playing the same team twice in a week is interesting because after the first game, you need to try and outsmart the opposition coach in terms of playing style, positional changes and differing tactics.”
“Knowing the opposition coach Jen Tatum, the team will be primed for a strong start. Like all other teams in the league Kanwal would have improved and will make it incredibly hard for us to get a win, hopefully, we are up for the challenge.”
Despite sitting second last on the ladder, Kincumber currently boasts the third-best defensive record in the league with only 19 goals conceded. Kincumber heads into this important run of games coming off a 2-1 loss to Umina.
That was the Roos second loss against the E-Gals this season as both meetings were settled by only one goal which shows how close some of their results have been.
Kincumber will be anticipating a determined Kanwal side this Sunday when they face the Bulls on enemy territory who look to avenge their biggest loss of the year.
For Jiggins, he says his side will need to be clinical which has been their downfall at times throughout this year.
“Kincumber needs to be more clinical in front of the opposition goals and not panic when in front of our own. This has been our Achilles heel all season!”
Match Official – Adam Sloan
All Round 16 Fixtures –
