Women’s DP2 – Saturday August 31, 2002
V University
Score: 2-0
A very warm day greeted the players for their must win match against University in the preliminary final. With our opposition’s superior fitness, it was apparent we had to dominant field position and ball possession to give us the best result. The match started evenly with neither side dominating and both sets of midfield players providing good attacking chances for the forwards, but both defenses repelled early advances into the circle. Early forays at the top of the circle saw Kym’s goal disallowed and penalty corners resulting in shots for Tonya and Shanina. At the other end of the field, we didn’t allow shots on goal when they had corners, something which was our downfall against Commercial. Inside left Danielle started in confident fashion, and got involved with fellow left side players Nadine and Katrina to make ground. Centre half Kym’s space gradually diminished due to better marking, centre forward Tonya didn’t see much of the ball, and our right side wasn’t having the best of times. With both sides making frequent interchanges, we were starting to suffer from fatigue and University started to get on top of us through their fast forwards due to some of our defensive lapses.
After the scoreless first half, an inspiring speech by Danielle gave the team renewed enthusiasm. We started the second half with confidence, with Nadine and Danielle picking up where they left off and fullbacks Bronwyn and Kayley stronger. We threatened their circle from the outset, and continued to do so for the rest of the half, earning many corners. One of our plays saw Danielle link up with Nadine, who sent a ball across goal, and after a mad scramble, Jodie eventually found the net to give us a lead after 50 minutes. Our confidence grew, and with Kym playing brilliantly denying their attackers in the circle and controlling the midfield, they pushed for an equaliser. This provided plenty of space for Tonya, and with Bec using her pace to trouble their defenders, it seemed we would score again soon. With 10 minutes to go we got our second on a breakaway with Tonya outpacing the defense, and with only the goalkeeper to beat, had plenty of time to smash the ball in. A freak accident saw Michelle receive an eye injury, but Susie proved to be an able replacement, and along with winger Becca, was playing one of her best games of the season. Keeper Bridgit confidently repelled their best shot of the day, and we had chances to add more goals at game’s end.
A very good match, with everyone putting in an improved effort compared to last week. The second half was particularly impressive, resulting in one of the finest performances of the season. But the first half, although we were down on confidence and cohesion, was also pleasing as we never stopped trying to play our game and we displayed good determination despite fatigue. With confidence now high, if we take that playing form into the grand final and are switched on from the outset, we shouldn’t walk away disappointed.
Goals: Jodie Collins
Tonya Collins
Lee Oliver
copyright 2002 Lee Oliver