East Gosford v Kincumber
After a gruelling 120 minutes against League Champions Terrigal where they fell just short, the Rams will be determined to qualify for their second consecutive WPL Grand Final, bouncing back with a win this weekend but will need to overcome the season’s underdogs Kincumber who might just have East Gosford’s number.
The Ram’s entered last week’s Major Semi Final fixture against Terrigal with a point to prove against the League Champions but also knew Terrigal would be determined to make amends for last year’s Grand Final loss so there was plenty on the line come kick-off.
After an intense first half, the score remained locked at 0-0, and the deadlock wasn’t broken until 2024 Golden Boot Jess Dominello stepped up for her side and gave the Rams a 1-0 lead in the second period.
However, it was two former Rams who sent East Gosford home empty-handed as Tahlor Thackray and Maddie Yates both found the scoresheet, one in extra time, to secure Terrigal’s place in the final game of the season.
For East Gosford, this means they will have to do things the hard way once again, very similar to last season, but despite the defeat last week, Jorge Chavez says the squad has been extremely positive knowing they still have a job to do and their goal of winning two consecutive Grand Finals is there for the taking.
“The weekend’s major semi-final was probably the most important game of the season for us, morale after the game, yes it was a disappointment, but we came together and there was nothing but positivity knowing we just had an amazing game, and we backed each other up.”
“Yes we had a few little mistakes here and there and were unlucky to concede the two goals, but we learned that if put together that performance again there is a very high chance we go back-to-back this year so that’s what we are looking forward to going forward.”
Looking at the positives, Chavez and his squad are now just one win away from making their second straight Grand Final and further cement themselves in history for the club. Chavez reflected on his achievements so far and if he envisioned this when he joined the club five years ago.
“To be just one win away from going back-to-back grand final winners for East Gosford for the club’s first time in history is a huge achievement. When I came to the club there were a few goals I wanted to achieve.”
“The first one was to develop a competitive team. The next one was to make sure we have a team that makes the finals, and we accomplished that three years ago which was a first in the club’s history. The next two steps of course were to make the Grand Final and win which we did last year and to be on the cusp of doing it twice is a testament not just to myself but the past and present coaching staff and the players we have had over the years.”
By no means is Chavez overlooking his competition this Saturday, stating he is well aware of the quality Kincumber possesses and that his team is looking towards the challenge.
“We are super keen for the clash against Kincumber on the weekend. We are excited to have a full-strength team for the first time against the Roo’s this year. I look forward to the challenge, Kincumber are a young team with a few experienced heads in there.
“They have great energy, and I know they are going to be up for the fight and that JJ will have them ready, we just can’t wait to go out there and hopefully get the win.”
Jorge also added, “As most people know this will be my last year coaching Women’s Premier League at East Gosford, I also coach the Women’s 14A’s and we have also made the Grand Final so hopefully I can finish on two grand final wins at the end of the season.”
As they have done most of the season, Kincumber will enter this weekend as underdogs, but this Roo’s side will cherish that title as they look to once again upset their opponents and solidify their spot in the Grand Final picture next to Terrigal.
Kincumber are gearing up to face another WPL heavyweight as they come off their minor semi-final victory, winning 4-2 against Umina. Heading into the Finals Series there was a lot unknown about how this Kincumber side would perform, especially after their 3-2 defeat to last-place Woongarrah on the final day of the year.
With little to no finals experience within the young squad, Kincumber got off to a fantastic start and were extremely unlucky not to take an early lead but instead, the Roo’s found themselves down 1-0 against the run of play last weekend.
Nonetheless, the Kincumber squad persevered and were able to score four goals to end Umina’s season and are now just one game away from a WPL Grand Final. John Jiggins spoke on not only his squad but the Women’s program at his club and the success it is bringing.
“To say that I am proud of not only the 16 girls in the squad but to all of the girls from the AA1s and 16As who have come in and played vital roles for us when we were short is definitely an understatement and a testament to the strength and commitment to our women’s program! I have to pay a special mention to Heidi Cullen and Tamara Foster who are the driving forces behind this program!”
“As for my squad, I knew from the first training session that we would be a force. Our leadership group are forefront of this. They drive what I ask, and we collaborate and work together. The mere fact half of our girls could still play either 16s or 18s is a wonderful achievement for this club.”
Kincumber’s initial meeting with East Gosford this year was all the way back in their opening fixture which saw the Rams cruise to a comfortable 4-0 win. However, their two encounters since have seen Kincumber draw with the Rams twice, proving they have more than what it takes to match it against this side.
“I have been an admirer of the way East Gosford play all season,” voiced Jiggins. “Knowing most of the girls either through coaching them or watching them play at a higher level, I know and respect the quality they possess. Jorge is an astute and tactical coach. He has built a great relationship with his players, and this is evident in the way they play.”
“In the past couple of fixtures between our teams, there has not been much between us but to be fair they were down players, so we need to be on top of our game. Doing the small things right, being clinical in front of goals and bringing energy to the game is a must to beat them.”
“Being a young side brings both sides of the spectrum for us, firstly being obviously nervous and inexperienced at this level but also on the other hand bringing youthfulness, speed, tenacity and a growing belief in themselves will make want to win. I’m a believer and know that they will walk across that ‘white line’ and leave nothing left in their tanks so to speak.”
Jiggins also added, “To win we will need to do the 1%’s so much better. Keep faith in our processes that have got us this far and play with a ‘no fear’ factor. Our leaders need to step up as they have done all season. This is why we have the capability to win this competition!”
Match Official – Anthony Ryan
WPL Final Fixture –
