2009 Champion of Champions Women’s Grand Final Day Results
– Caetano Lima
All Age Champion of Champions Grand Final
The Illawarra Champions, University of Wollongong, have clinched the 2009 Champion of Champions All Age category with an emphatic 6-0 shellacking of Shoalhaven Champions Milton Hill Ulladulla.
Played at a fast pace in the ?world class? surroundings of ANZ Stadium, the University of Wollongong demonstrated their intentions from the word go with player of the match Lyndsay Andrew and Jess O?Reilly showcasing their confidence with some exquisite touches of the ball early.
The two players combined sensationally well on 4? minutes to release Karen Clarke down the right-flank, though Clarke?s cross was easy pickings for Milton Hill goalkeeper Jen Todd.
Clarke did have the Milton Hill shot-stopper backpedaling moments later with a rather ambitious effort from distance bouncing over the crossbar with Todd out of position.
Despite the Illawarra side?s possessional dominance, Ulladulla did manage a rare forward foray after some neat passing through the middle of the park. Emma Cobb was picked out on the right-flank, though sent her cross over the goal line.
University of Wollongong found the breakthrough on 14? minutes via the feet of the skillful Lyndsay Andrew. The side?s playmaker took advantage of some slack passing out of the Milton Hill defence to pick up possession, beat three defenders, and finish past Jen Todd with aplomb.
Milton Hill Ulladulla replied on 22? minutes via the feet of Emma Cobb. Cobb?s low-driven effort across goal was fumbled by Sandy Scott in the University of Wollongong goal, though a lunging effort by Karyn Coleman was thwarted by some resolute defending.
The missed opportunity proved costly as the Illawarra side doubled their lead moments later, again via the boot of Lyndsay Andrew. A poor clearance by the Milton Hill defence provided Andrew with the ball on the edge of the penalty-area; a chance the attacking midfielder took first-time with a fine effort finishing in the back of the net.
Milton Hill Ulladulla?s hapless afternoon took a further beating on 33? minutes as Tegan O?Toole diverted a cross from the left-flank past her own goalkeeper to hand University of Wollongong a three-goal lead at the break.
Lyndsay Andrew completed her hat-trick 3? minutes into the second-half with another fine finish from close-range. Andrew finished off the fine work of Leah Carlon whom played the hat-trick heroine through on goal with a fine through ball.
Lyndsay Andrew nearly added a fourth to her personal tally for the afternoon moments later with a venomous drive from the edge of the penalty-area, though the effort lacked accuracy as the ball finished well-over the crossbar.
Milton Hill Ulladulla were overawed by a fine display by the Illawarra side, though very nearly did find a goal just after the hour. Ayla Thomas timed her run from deep to perfection to get in behind the University of Wollongong defence though failed to get a shot past the oncoming Sandy Scott whom was lightning-fast off her line to thwart any danger.
Thomas showed her on-field awareness on 77? minutes as she spotted Scott off her goal-line, though the Milton Hill midfielder?s chipped effort sailed over the crossbar.
The University of Wollongong found its fifth goal of the afternoon following another poorly dealt with set-piece by Milton Hill. A corner from the right found Courtney Collins unmarked on the edge of the penalty-area; and with a strong diagonal drive sent the ball inside the far post.
The Illawarra side was denied by the underside of the crossbar on 90? minutes as Sally Dennis saw her fierce drive bounce off the goal-line before Milton Hill cleared to safety, though in the 1?st minute of injury-time, Karen Clarke capped off a memorable afternoon for the University of Wollongong with an exquisite chipped-effort from 25-metres leaving Jen Todd immovable with the ball finishing in the back of the net.
The final result was just reward for the Illawarra-based side following the impressive scalps of Ku-Ring-Gai, Eschol Park Wolves and North Griffith en-route to the grand-final triumph.
University of Wollongong 6 (Lyndsay Andrew 14?, 26? 48?, Tegan O?Toole (og) 33?, Courtney Collins 82?, Karen Clarke 90?+1?)
Milton Ulladulla 0
Saturday 24th of October, 2009
ANZ Stadium, Homebush
Referee: Elizabeth Shorter
Assistant Referees: Melinda Bell and Amelia Shorter
Fourth Official: Janice Gapps
University of Wollongong (ILL): 1.Sandy Scott (gk); 2.Kathryn Collins, 3.Leah Carlon, 4.Jess O?Reilly, 5.Renee Leddy, 6.Grace Fahey, 7.Jamie Dennison, 8.Courtney Collins, 9.Catherine Barrett, 10.Lyndsay Andrew, 11.Karen Clarke
Interchange: 12.Belinda Griffith, 13.Elise Gruber, 15.Sally Dennis, 16. Kaylie Harrison, 17.Lauren Weidl
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Milton Hill Ulladulla (SHOAL): 32.Jen Todd(gk); 2.Emma Cobb, 3.Alana Jansma-Smith, 4.Tegan O?Toole, 5.Alix Roberts, 6.Kirstie Jones, 7.Gai Harper-Fellows, 8.Jane Zappas, 9.Thea Ingold, 10.Karyn Coleman, 11.Dannielle Evans
Interchange: 12.Ayla Thomas, 13.Prudence Harrison, 15.Peta Jansma-Smith, 16.Caylie Wise
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Over 30?s Champion of Champions Grand Final
In the inaugural Over-30 Champion of Champions competition, Gladesville Ravens ran out comprehensive 5-0 winners against Harbord Seasiders United.
A brace to Margaret Bass set the scene for the Ravens; Bass? second goal rounded out the 5-0 triumph.
Alison Primmer doubled the Ravens lead on 45? minutes following an error by goalkeeper Catherine Webb before Kelly Duncan finished with ease, from close-range, shortly after.
Rebecca Scott?s effort on 77? minutes was the pick of the bunch with a fine long-range effort leaving the goalkeeper routed to the spot.
The only sour note on a fabulous afternoon for Gladesville Ravens was the injury to Alison Kerry moments before the referee?s final whistle; the Ravens striker was stretchered off the field.
U18 Champion of Champions Grand Final
Unanderra and Springwood United provided those present at ANZ Stadium with a grand-final to remember in the U-18 division as the Illawarra Association side ran out 6-4 winners.
In a match of two halves, Springwood United squandered a 3-1 half-time lead to hand victory to Unanderra.
Unanderra hit the lead on 10? minutes via the boot of Elizabeth Borg, though Springwood United were on level terms by the 25? minute courtesy of an own goal by Ellen Baker.
The goal spurred the Nepean Association side into action and Annaleise Collier latched onto a splendid through ball from deep to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper before slotting home for the lead.
Jessica Maxwell converted her one-on-one chance minutes before the break to give Springwood United a two-goal lead, though Unanderra would turn the match on its head in the second period.
Kahlia Muilwyk cleverly dribbled her way past four defenders before rounding the goalkeeper to slot home on 50? minutes, before the Illawarra side found their equaliser on 54? minutes.
Jessica Budd sent Unanderra ahead for the second time in the match 2? minutes later, though Springwood lifted its head to draw level 20? minutes from the end via Clare Carter.
In an action-packed final 10? minutes, Springwood United squandered a golden chance via Nicole Britten, before Unanderra was denied by some fine goalkeeping at the other end.
In injury-time, the Illawarra Association side scored twice ? Maxwell rose highest to head home amongst a crowded penalty-area ? before Budd was played one-on-one with the goalkeeper; the Unanderra player cleverly chipped the goalkeeper to seal the win.
– Joseph Carlucci
U16 Champion of Champions Grand Final
If any match was to be labelled a game of two halves then this was definitely the one. Watching the first half, anyone would have put their money on Culburra walking away as champions. However, whatever Bexley coach, Lauren Paul, said at half time seemed to work as the St.George based side were a different outfit in the second half securing a 3- 1 win to be crowned victors on the day.
Undoubtedly Culburra started the stronger with Nash neatly turning her defender inside out as early as the 13th minute before slotting a low shot past an advancing Bexley goalkeeper. Displaying exquisite skill and composure to shake of her defender, Nash was able to pick her side and finish in style to make it 1-0.
Continuing to increase pressure after taking the lead, Culburra forced Bexley to throw their body on the line at every occasion. The physical aspect started to really take over as both teams found themselves in rough challenges and fighting for every ball.
As Culburra continued to grow throughout the match, Bexley tried their best to absorb the pressure and catch their opponents on the counter. Bexley?s striker, Hammoud, found herself open in one such counter attack where she forced a magnificent save from the Culburra goalkeeper. The resulting corner allowed Bexley to go inches wide from a strong header which scraped the back post.
Both teams shared chances to take the lead as play continued to open more and more the longer it went.
Another fine save from Culburra goalkeeper, Green, meant Bexley were denied once more from point blank range.
Nash, who continued to terrorize the Bexley defence, had her shot whistle past the crossbar on a late free kick just before the interval.
After the break both teams came back firing with Culburra enjoying most of the attack early on. As the match became even more open, extremely physical and passionate referee, Sarah Priestley, had difficulty keeping up with the many of-the-ball incidents which were taking place.
After a series of Culburra attacks, Bexley responded in fashion through Moussa who executed a perfect volley to level the scores 1-1. The ball dropped nicely in the six yard box after Culburra failed to clear it and Moussa was on hand to power her shot into the roof of the net leaving no chance for the stranded goalkeeper.
Bexley made it two with 15 minutes left of play. Fakih?s pin point 40 yard found A. Hammoud who controlled beautifully using her head to adjust the ball in front of her and keep up speed to out run her defender. With poise and skill, the striker coolly slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1 for Bexley.
But Bexley weren?t done yet. A 30 yard free kick found its way into the back of the Culburra uprights two minutes from time. Goalkeeper, Green, made a mess of an easy catch to allow Bexley to go 3-1 up. The goal was given to Difranceso who was just as amazed as the crowd was to see her shot go in.
With Bexley almost adding a fourth through two additional late breakaways, it finished 3-1 to the St.George based club and if the crowd was anything to go by, the celebrations will run right up until next season.
U14 Champion of Champions Grand Final
The second encounter of the day saw the battle between Central Coast?s Kincumber Roos and Sutherland?s Lilli Pilli which proved to be a tough game for both.
Although the score line read 1-0 in Lilli Pilli?s favour at the end of the match, it was Kincumber who enjoyed most of the play and were unlucky to not take the game into extra time and quite possibly snatch victory from their opponents.
It was the Roos in fact who started the stronger with Lily and Jamie showing good skill down the right hand side while Lilli Pilli absorbed the early onslaught. With good movement, sharp passing and a hunger to win most challenges, it was incredible Lilli Pilli were able to hold on.
It wasn?t until the 15th minute that Lilli Pilli was actually able to penetrate past halfway due to Kincumber?s strong defence.
Loren Sutherland was one of few Lilli Pilli players who were always a constant threat early on. The skilful little player found herself open on the right and continued darting past players causing problems for the Roos.
With five minutes remaining and with their backs against the wall, Lilli Pilli was given a life line when they went ahead through Billi Drury.
Taylor Moore capitalized on a loose ball in the box to fire a shot onto the cross bar which found its way onto Billi?s feet. With sharp reflexes, the quick thinker shot a low hard shot and was rewarded with a goal after the shot took a deflection from the Kincumber defence line.
Kincumber were unlucky to be 1-0 down going into the break.
The second half saw a replica of the first early on with Kincumber throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Lilli Pilli?s defence. Lily and Jamie continued to work wonderfully together with the best chance of the half coming to Lily, but her first touch let her down after a well weighted cross from Brittany Hutchings.
Lilli Pilli goalkeeper, Bianca Smith, was called into action and delivered spectacularly on many occasions.
Lilli Pilli almost doubled their lead through some smooth play on the right side which finished with a shot and the Kincumber goalkeeper, Nicole Squires, dropping the ball and making a double save to make up for it.
As a result the Sutherland based outfit began gaining confidence and upped the pressure on the Roo?s defence.
With ten minutes left of play Lilli Pilli went inches away from making it 2-0 as an accurate long ball from Rachel Hunter found Anika Zatschler in space and her shot was cleared just off the line. The Lilli Pilli crowd claimed the ball had gone in, frustrated with the referee?s decision. The onslaught continued as Kincumber were made to pay for their early misses.
Although clearly the stronger team throughout most of the match, the Roos were made to pay for their early chances. Lilli Pilli?s fight, spirit and determination however were nothing short of outstanding and the secret to this grand final.
U12 Champion of Champions Grand Final
The first game saw the battle between the U/12 girls. Lindfield (Ku-Ring-Gai) and Parklea (Blacktown) kicked off at 9:00am and were greeted by a large crowd excited to see their team on the large screens at the Olympic stadium.
Although the game begun a little slow due to nerves from the youngsters, it was Parklea who enjoyed the early success in the Lindfield half, making their first shot on goal in the 11th minute with no real danger.
Both teams remained fairly balanced with the physical aspect quite high.
As Parklea continued to press slightly more and gather momentum, Lindfield broke away on the 18th minute and almost went one up as a hard shot on the left hand side was saved brilliantly by the Parklea goalkeeper.
Parklea youngster Clifford, who was easily the smallest girl on the field, continued to cause problems for the Lindfield defence as she weaved in and out of defenders on the right hand side.
Six minutes before the interval, Parklea almost broke the deadlock as Davidson found herself free inside the box and rocketed a shot which Giannone handled brilliantly.
The break introduced what looked like two new teams, as the second half saw attacking play and a hunger to win not seem in the first period.
Clifford continued to show brilliance on the right early on, speeding past three defenders before cutting the ball back for a point blank range shot for Parklea which Giannone once again blocked with ease.
However although Parklea continued to press, Lindfield were determined to not keep their backs against the wall. They pressed forward and could have taken the lead through O?Sullivan were it not for some amazing defending from Parklea?s Reagan Mitchell who demonstrated a perfect slide tackle to stop a breakaway.
It wasn?t until the 38th minute, when Phillipson was brought down unintentionally in the box, that the deadlock was finally broken. To the frustration of the large Parklea crowd, Jackson converted her penalty in style, sending the ball into the roof of the net and Lindfield into the lead.
However, three minutes later Parklea responded in style; levelling the game through Hamilton who picked up a through ball from the right and slotted it past the advancing goalkeeper to send the crowd into raptures.
Yet the best was still to come. As the match headed towards extra time, Parklea showed why they deserved to be crowned champions. With seconds left on the clock, Mitchell produced what was undoubtedly one of the goals of the day: a 23-yard lob over the goalkeeper and into the top right corner of the net.
With the sound of the final whistle echoing throughout the stadium only a minute later, Parklea had fought back to a deserved 2-1 victory to the delight of their large fan base.
