Match of the Round
Umina 1 – 0 Killarney
Umina secured a slender one-goal victory over the Terriers in the final round of the 2024 WPL competition, marking the E-Gal’s second consecutive clean sheet for the first time this season as they look to enter finals with maximum momentum.
The bouncy and bobbly surface of Umina Oval made it hard for either team to get into their usual flow. The extreme winds also added to the conditions of a tough playing surface as both teams found it extremely difficult.
These conditions made the game a physical battle in which the home side Umina found more joy compared to their opponents, controlling the game to the best of their abilities during the opening 45 minutes.
The only goal of the contest came on the half-hour mark through Hannah Batten, scoring her sixth goal of the season for the E-Gals.
The second half saw momentum constantly shift back and forth with both teams getting their fair share of entries into the opposition’s box.
However, Umina couldn’t put the game to bed with their chances as Killarney searched hard for an equaliser but also came up short in front of goal as the game finished in favour of the home side.
“Once again we kept a clean sheet which made the one goal the difference between a win and a loss,” voiced Michael Penn.
“Although it was a low-scoring game we managed to keep Killarney’s chances to a minimum but once again squandered our chances to finish off the game. A shout out to our holding midfielder Zoe Henderson who played a key role in breaking down their midfield attack.”
Penn also had high praise for the opposition. “Congratulations goes to Jai, his assistants and his squad on a competitive season and I’m sure they will come back even stronger next season. My players were keen to see the season out on a high in front of a home crowd and took the game to Killarney to achieve it. Our focus is now on the finals and our encounter with Kincumber.”
Jai Menser spoke on how far his side has come in 2024. “A successful season full of growth and development for our girls, from two points last season to 19 points this year, as a group I’m very excited to see where this will lead them into next season and years to come”
Match Official – Tafaranashe Mudavose
Woongarrah 3 – 2 Kincumber
In their first season back to the WPL competition, despite a challenging season, the Wildcats end their year on a high, taking down Finals-bound Kincumber in a thrilling 5-goal affair.
The match was played under difficult conditions, especially in the first half, where a gale-force wind and a rock-hard pitch made skill-full play difficult. Consequently, it was a match that failed to reach any great heights, however, Woongarrah started the contest showing plenty of courage and fight despite not having much to play for.
The first 10 minutes of the contest was end-to-end, but the home side managed to settle the quickest. After some great lead-up play, clinical through balls, and diagonal runs from Kelly Hogan, she was able to add to her incredible goal tally scoring the inaugural goal of this match.
One quickly became two for the Wildcats, shortly after finding the back of the net, a similar play led to some great positive ball movement and Kelly Hogan was on hand to secure her second of the day just 30 minutes in.
The final 15 minutes of the opening half saw Woongarrah continue to push for more goals, hoping teammate Kelly Hogan could stay in touch with securing her second Golden Boot award in as many years.
A free kick from Zoe Rogers saw Riyani Puxty, Woongarrah’s right-back, make a brilliant run and slot away a nice volley at the back post for her first goal of the season, giving her side a 3-0 lead after the first 45 minutes.
The second period saw the Roos lift their intensity and play to a much better standard than they are use to within the squad. Kincumber got one back through a sensational goal from the head of Helaina Wellington.
As Kincumber continued to push, Courtney Wilson scored their second goal, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to neatly push one past the Wildcat’s keeper.
Woongarrah showed severe determination to hold out Kincumber and record a deserved 3-2 victory as Kincumber will now need to reset for their semi-final against Umina next Sunday.
“Good luck to Kincumber, Umina, East Gosford, and Terrigal in the finals series,” said Kaine Harmsworth.
Match Official – Con Pantos
East Gosford 7 – 0 Kanwal
In their final game of the season, Kanwal travelled south to the home of the reigning Premiers East Gosford who were looking to get back to their usual winning ways ahead of their finals bout with the League Champions the following week.
Kanwal had the mindset of stepping onto Hylton Moore Oval and having a go, playing great football and having fun doing so.
The opening 45 minutes saw East Gosford take a 2-0 lead into the break, but some missed opportunities had the Bulls knowing the deficit should have halved and they were confident they could still get something out of the result.
The second half saw East Gosford relentlessly take control of the game, throwing everything they had at the opposition who struggled to deal with the attack of the Rams.
The heat was a huge factor in the Bull’s downfall who couldn’t deal with the constant through balls in their backline as East Gosford put on a goalscoring clinic in the second period.
2024 WPL Golden Boot Jess Dominello finished her year with a hat-trick, taking her final goal tally to 25 goals. Emma Hurley also got in on the fun scoring a brace and Grace Bryant also found herself on the scoresheet thanks to her effort as the Rams will look to take this form into next week’s major semi-final as they look to continue their quest of winning back-to-back grand finals.
“Good luck to all teams in the semis,” spoke Jen Tatum. “It’s a shame we aren’t there but I am proud of the year we had with all the changes going to one team really had us struggling. On to next year bigger and better things”
Match Official – Stephen Wrightson
Golden Boot Standings –
| 25 | Jessica Dominello (East Gosford) |
| 22 | Kelly Hogan (Woongarrah) |
| 16 | Madelene Yates (Terrigal), Kate Styles (Umina) |
| 15 | Laura Mundy (East Gosford) |
| 12 | Emma Hurley (East Gosford) |
Points Table –
Division 1
Round 20 Results –
Points Table –
