Women’s DP1 – Saturday June 7, 2003
Vs Kedron-Wavell
Score: 1-1
Coming up against a team that had won their last straight 6 games, we knew we had to improve all aspects of our play this week. We made several positional changes to the team with our in-form centre half Kym away. One of the super-subs from DP2, Jess W. started at centre forward, with Tonya at centre half and Bronwyn migrating upfield to right half. The class of the opposition meant we found the going tough early on, but we soon found our rhythm. After initially struggling to form good passing combinations early on, the final passes eventually started to come off, and we threatened their goal.
With enthusiasm sky-high we looked the better side in the first half. Our players were winning most of the 50/50 balls, our attack was productive and our defense relentless. Our determination was rewarded when we deservedly scored first, with Nadine pushing the ball pass the keeper following a rebound. We had a goal disallowed when Tonya’s corner shot deflected off their defender’s stick and into the top of the net. But the umpire ruled a long corner, deeming Tonya hit the ball outside the circle.
In the second half their dangerous centre forward started to cause us trouble, as lack of communication and poor marking left her with room to utilise. Tonya, Michelle, Jess K. and Bronwyn were holding the ball well and we were controlling the tempo of the game for the most part. And when Lydia came on at left wing we started to open up their defense some more. We had another goal disallowed when Jodie picked up the scraps at the post from a corner but the umpire said the ball hit her foot.
By this stage things were getting a bit heated and both captains were given a yellow card. Some our players were physically spent towards the end of the game and it seemed they were getting on top. We allowed them very few shots at goal all game, but they managed to score with about 5 minutes to go. Just when it looked like they might snatch a winning goal, we lifted and earned some late penalty corners. We were awarded a penalty corner for a lifted ball and then the siren sounded, giving us one last chance to score. But for some unknown reason, the umpire reversed her decision and ruled game over.
All of our players were superb. Becca was very strong on the wing and Kayley and Bec were sensational at fullback. Michelle continued her stunning form reversal playing a true utility role, filling fullback, centre half and centre forward positions during the match. This week our inners such as Jess and Shanina were highly involved and important factors in the game, and Katrina fared well in the unfamiliar position of centre half for a time. And hopefully next game we will have a full compliment of players again!
I don’t usually lament the umpiring too much or blame them for the result, but we were very, very, very unlucky not to win this game (ie. we were robbed!) The team worked tirelessly all game, and the enthusiasm and positive talk was the foundation for the good result in what was a highly intense contest (that resulted in some very animated coaches on the sideline!) This was our best performance of the season, and one that we can all be proud of and aspire to match each week. We need to play with the same intensity when we play lowly South Brisbane Eagles next week, because in the past we have struggled against the bottom sides.
Goal:
Nadine Hayward
Other results:
South Brisbane Eagles 2 v Bulimba 0
Commercial 1 v St. Andrews 0
Ascot 5 v South-West United 0
Commodores 1 v QUT 0
Points:
Ascot 18, Kedron-Wavell 15, St. Andrews 13, NORTHS 12, Bulimba 11, Commodores 9, Commercial 8, South Brisbane Eagles 6, QUT 5, South-West United 3.
Lee Oliver
© 2003 Lee Oliver