Benfica second half double sinks Raiders
Although both sides are out of the running for this seasons play-offs, the win will give Benfica a boost and a confirmation that they have held their own in the top flight Premier League competition this season.
With little at stake other than pride the first half was an even but quiet affair highlighted by a goal to Benfica?s Rhiannon Horne who latched onto a pass at the far post and swept the ball into the net.
Benfica took control of the game early in the second half when Maryanne Mikhail received a nice pass to the far post and coolly slotted the ball home to make it 2-0.
Maryanne Mikhail was involved in Benfica?s third when she chested the ball down and ran up court, her pass found Evelyn Chronis who turned and slammed her shot past the keeper to give her side a formidable 3-0 lead.
The Raiders trailed by three goals and set about putting as much pressure on their opponents goal as they could muster. Shona Robson made a strong run forward evading defenders on the way and was unlucky not to score but her shot struck a post.
A long range shot by Filiz Urkanci was well saved by Jessica Edwards in goal then a little later Edwards made two excellent blocks to deny both Kylie Meehan then Shona Robson.
Despite the Raiders pressure Benfica were always dangerous on the break and Evelyn Chronis almost added to her score but her shot crashed into the side netting.
Nearing the end of the game the Raiders were rewarded with a deserved goal when Kylie Meehan smashed a long range shot past the keeper to make the score 3-1.
The ever dangerous Evelyn Chronis had a shot tipped over by Raiders keeper Shamiron Khamis and the Raiders Kylie Meehan nearly grabbed a second for her team but her shot unfortunately smacked against the post and away to safety.
In the end the three goal buffer the Benfica girls had built was too much a hurdle for the Raiders to overcome and Benfica ran out deserved winners 3-1.
Teams
Western Raiders Benfica
1. Shamiron Khamis 20. Jessica Edwards
3. Frances Dimino 3. Lauren Moore
4. Emma Noro 4. Maryanne Mikhail
10. Diyana Lusic 5. Tamie Tsolakis
5. Kirsty Bridge 6. Kelsey Skeoch
6. Patricia Charalamboulos 7. Eleanor Rugg
7. Filiz Urkanci 8. Evelyn Chronis
8. Shona Robson 9. Chanel Turner
9. Kylie Meehan 10. Rhiannon Horne
14. Julia Bazi 11. Nadia Hamson
Goals
Western Raiders ? Kylie Meehan
Benfica – Rhiannon Horne, Maryanne Mikhail, Evelyn Chronis
Infringements
Fouls ? Raiders 1
Benfica 1
Yellow Cards ? Nil
Red Cards ? Nil
Officials – Daniel Luttringer, Gavin Lee
By Peter Davies
