Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League Round 15 Preview

 This match could go a long way to deciding the fate of this year?s Premiership so Lynwood Park is sure to be shaking on it?s foundations when these very talented sides do battle.
It?s not just about one match though as Sydney University travel to Cromer Park for a must win game with third placed Manly United FC. University?s finals hopes may be in mortal danger of they don?t come away with three points and results go to form elsewhere. Manly?s feint hopes of a top two finish also depend on continued success.
Most eyes will turn to Campbelltown however where the defending premiers, the all conquering Rams seek to repel their latest challenger, Illawarra Stingrays. If this game lives up to the hype it will be a classic. Both sides are brimming with skilful players. Macarthur?s Captain, Kylie Ledbrook is arguably the most dynamic player in the league. Macarthur have quality goalscorers in the shape of Renee Cartwright and Stephanie Haim, the latter coming off a four goal haul against Sutherland Sharks in Round 14. The water tight Rams defence has conceded just two goals this season; a telling statistic as the big matches start to come around.
If any team can unlock a strong defensive system you?d think it would be The Stingrays. With the likes of Michelle Heyman, Ash Connor and Hayley Kerrigan all capable of putting away the slightest opportunity Illawarra will attack this game with confidence. The Stingrays are more than just these three ace goal sneaks though with Michelle Carney, Sam Spackman and Sam Muscat also spelling danger for the defence. Stingrays Coach Brett Wallin has an arsenal of talent to call on this season; a fact that has helped offset The Stingrays considerable injury toll during 2009. This is his side?s big test; are they true contenders?
This match will have everything. Match turning players abound throughout the respective teams? squad lists. Illawarra were soundly beaten last time the two teams met but they?re sure to have learnt plenty from that defeat. Success in this game will give the victor enormous confidence going into the finals in a few weeks time.
At Cromer Park there?s plenty on the line when Manly United FC meet Sydney University.
University?s semi final prospects hinge on them putting together a winning streak. Manly?s spot on the finals looks assured but they?ll be keen to grab maximum points here in an attempt to keep their dwindling top two hopes alive. The locals have put together an impressive set of performances this season which augurs well for the chances in the championship games coming up. With the experienced Gill Foster steering the Manly side around the park they have a formidable look about them. If they hope to stretch the leading teams in the league Manly must put their best foot forward here.
Sydney University?s loss to the NWS Koalas in the last round has really put them in a tough situation. Whilst they have a game in hand over The Koalas they are now six points adrift of fourth place. University will be ruing a number of results let slip against teams in the bottom half of the ladder. Those lost points may be the difference between a finals spot and an early end of season party. The University side has shown some promising form at various stages this season but their inability to convert chances has made life difficult for them. This is a make or break game that should command a do or die performance from the squad.
Manly won well the last time the two sides met but Sydney University may have had some excuses. I think this will be a close one with plenty on the line, especially for Sydney University.
The Sutherland Sharks are at home to NWS Koalas on Sunday.
This game certainly has some significance for The Koalas with a win possibly cementing their spot in the finals, pending results elsewhere. The Sharks are playing for pride right now as they struggle towards the end of the season.
The Koalas did themselves a massive favour with their narrow win over Sydney University in Round 14. This gave them some breathing space in the race for the finals. The Koalas have had a topsy turvy kind of year. There?s been a mix of convincing results and disappointing outcomes that have left people wondering just where The Koalas were heading in 2009. With their foot now in the door for the finals one hopes that the girls will now be a little more settled. The Koalas, like many sides, have had their injury problems along with the well publicised loss of some of their most experienced players. These problems have assisted them nonetheless in blooding some promising young players in 2009.
The Sharks have been most disappointing this season. The team may not have had high expectations for 2009 but they really seem to have lost their way as the season has progressed. Their performance against Penrith a few weeks back lacked spirit and it?s to be hoped that the girls can pick themselves up and finish the season in a positive manner. Coach Michael Michael must be a frustrated coach who?d be within his rights to be looking forward to the off season.
The Koalas will be out to win this one convincingly. The Sharks need to lift considerably.
In the final match of the round the Marconi Stallions host Penrith Nepean United at Marconi Stadium.
It hasn?t been the best of seasons for either side. With finals hopes non existent it must be tough for Marconi?s Mauro Tacco and Penrith?s Lisa Warrener to keep their respective teams motivated for the weeks ahead. Penrith upset Marconi in a Friday night catch up game a few weeks back so The Stallions will be out for revenge come Sunday.
Penrith?s young side has given some creditable performances during the season but have generally been outclassed by the better sides. I caught them in action against Sutherland a couple of weeks ago at South Park and came away impressed with what I saw. They have the makings of a good squad if Penrith can keep the side together.
Marconi?s horror season has continued unabated. Only one team has scored fewer goals than The Stallions; that being last placed Sutherland. Marconi have put in some strong efforts in various games but without the game breakers of last season it?s been an uphill grind for the team. I?m sure that The Stallions wouldn?t want any sympathy but it?s sad to see last year?s Club Champions going through such a tough trot.
I expect that there won?t be much between these two sides at the finish. The result will swing on which team has the most pride and determination.
I?ll be out at Lynwood Park this weekend for what should be one of the games of the season. I?m an unabashed fan of both sides and this should be an awesome battle.
Good luck to everyone in Round 15 of the Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League.
-By Ross Anderson