Arrive Alive NSW Women?s Premier League Finals Series Preview

The preliminaries are over. The cream has risen to the top. Its finals time in the Arrive Alive NSW Women?s Premier League with the season?s top four teams ready to do battle for the title of 2008 Premiers. This weekend will provide one team with a spot in the Grand Final, another with the task of packing their kit bags away until 2009. The form guide is so often immaterial once the finals begin. Will that be the case this Sunday?
The major semi final pits the Minor Premiers, Macarthur Rams up against their arch rivals NWS Koalas at Lynwood Park, Campbelltown. The three clashes between these sides during the season have been highlighted by some exciting football. The Rams won the Round 5 game 2-1 at home before The Koalas reversed the scoreline at ELS Hall Park in Round 12. Just a few weeks ago, again at Lynwood Park, The Rams grabbed two late goals to upset The Koalas 3-2.
The two sides have that classical contrast; The Rams scored more often than any other side in the league this season with 78 goals. The Koalas were easily the best defensive side on show, conceding only 19 goals in 21 matches. The Koalas have the capacity to create just as many scoring opportunities as The Rams but have struggled to convert those chances into goals during 2008.
The Rams have shown little mercy to their opponents during 2008. They are a tough side physically with players like Kylie Ledbrook and Danielle Brogan never likely to take a backward step. However, Ledbrook is more than just a tough nut; being the catalyst on which The Rams build so much of their attack. With proven goal scorers like Renee Cartwright and Stephanie Haim ready to convert the slightest opportunity The Rams are a lethal combination. Sigrid Manty, Leesa Thompson, Annalise Baker and Sam Donaldson have also been fine contributors for Macarthur in during the season but anyone who?s donned a Rams shirt has given their all for the cause. With the bagpipes going full bore from the Lynwood Park grandstand The Rams home ground can be an imposing place for any visiting side.
The Koalas have looked contenders since day one. They?ve played some outstanding football this season. Whilst players like Alicia Cavanagh, Sanaa Hawkins, Anna McLean and Danni Calvi have contributed to the goal tally during 2008 The Koalas seemed to have lacked that one lethal target player. The build up, through players like Natalie Spirovski, Rachel Jones, Rachel Doyle and the like has always looked impressive. The Koalas have generally sought top play positive football and have looked good doing so. Their form in recent weeks has been somewhat shaky but a solid 4-1 win over Marconi Stallions last weekend will have given the girls plenty of confidence going into the finals. Alicia Cavanagh was about six inches wide of having a field day last Sunday. If she?s got her slide rule with her this weekend The Rams will be in trouble.
As the scorelines from their earlier matches attest there is little between these two sides. The Rams have won both games at Lynwood Park; their great escape a couple of weeks back being pivotal to their second successive Minor Premiership. The Koalas will feel they were hard done by and revenge will be on their minds.
A toss of the coin job here but, at home, I fancy The Rams will be the first to book a place in the Grand Final.
In the weekends other semi final the Marconi Stallions will host Manly United FC at Marconi Stadium.
In their three meetings in 2008 Marconi scored a 1-0 in Round 2, Manly won at Cromer Park 6-3 in Round 9 before Marconi bounced back to get a 4-0 result in Round 16 at Marconi Stadium. In many ways those results reflect the frustration of being a Manly United supporter in 2008!
In the Round 9 game Manly were down 1-3 at half time before roaring home with a dazzling second half performance. If the Manly coaching staff can flick the players ?ON? buttons prior to kick off on Sunday the girls from the peninsula are capable of anything. However, the team?s inconsistency has been the hallmark of their season. One week they?re sensational, the next week almost disinterested. Why? This is a side brimming with talent; former Matildas/Young Matildas and plenty of rising stars. Physically, the Manly side are not one to be intimidated. Their tough, they?re strong but mentally their focus sometimes seems to wander. Well now it?s finals time and, from this weekend on, Manly have no second chances. Can they rise to the occasion?
Marconi have looked likely to have a say in the big end of season games from week one. Another talented squad that blends aspiring young stars with experienced players who?ve performed at the highest level. Trudy Camilleri and Ash Connor offer a dangerous strike combination but The Stallions have plenty of options to offer. They?ve welcomed back Captain Amanda Poulton from illness at the right end of the season and will field a stronger line up than that which took the field against The Koalas last weekend. The home ground advantage must also count for something! Coach Mauro Tacco is sure to have his girls primed for a big performance.
Another game where there?ll be a split pea between the two sides at the final whistle. Manly can win but which Manly will show up? Whilst Marconi have offered me a share in 50 of the club?s poker machines to tip Manly I?m afraid that I?ll be ignoring their desperate pleas for mercy. I think The Stallions will still be there come week two of the finals.
I must admit at this stage that I?ve been a Manly rugby league supporter for over 40 years so it hurts to tip against ?my girls? but a mans got to do what a mans got to do.
Good luck to all four teams involved in the finals this weekend. May you all play your to the best of your ability and nothing but your own skill and talent decide the result. Go get ?em ladies!
-By Ross Anderson