Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League Semi Final Preview

In the Minor Semi Final, to be played at the Crest Complex in Bankstown on Saturday, third placed Inter Lions meet fourth placed Macarthur Rams. The winner will proceed into next week?s final; the loser will bow out of contention for 2010.
Inter Lions are a side that?s full of talented players. In their Captain, Catherine Cannuli, Inter Lions have one of the best players in the Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League. But the Lions are far from a one player band with a host of individuals making up what, at times, can be a dynamic team. Inter haven?t been renowned for their consistency this season but they do seem capable of lifting for important matches. They are the only team this season to take the scalp of defending Premiers, Illawarra Stingrays, having scored a 2-1 win over Illawarra at Concord Oval just a few weeks back. The move of the experienced Jodie Bain into a midfield role seems to have been instrumental in getting the Inter side to ?click?. Coach Joe Baldacci will be working hard to ensure his team is primed to perform like a sporty Ferrari on Saturday. At their best Inter Lions is a side that any team in the competition should respect.
Macarthur Rams have had a steady year. Without some of their more dominant players of recent season The Rams have settled into being a more tradesmanlike side; grafting their way to victory rather than steamrolling opponents. They still have weapons that can hurt; Stephanie Haim is always dangerous in sight of goal and has developed a good partnership with Linda Dudek. Renee Cartwright, The Rams Captain, has been a strong influence whilst Sigrid Manty and Laura Donnelly have played well. Macarthur has looked well organized defensively and attack quickly on the break. Coach Matt Turvey remains confident in the ability of his side; buoyed by their recent effort against Illawarra Stingrays. The Rams may not have some of the ?names? that Inter Lions have in their line up but they do have a squad that won?t take a backward step and have a winning culture.
There are so many ways this match could pan out any number of ways. Will Inter come out with all guns blazing? Will Macarthur frustrate The Lions out of the game? Which of the two goalscoring wizards; Cannuli or Haim, will have the greatest influence on the match?
To the undoubted delight of Rams Coach Matt Turvey I?m going to tip Inter Lions to win. I?m of the opinion that the girls from Concord may have a trifle too much firepower for Macarthur.
At J.J.Kelly Park on Sunday the Major Semi Final sees Premiers Illawarra Stingrays up against Manly United FC. The winner of this game goes straight through to the Grand Final, the loser plays the winner of the Minor Semi Final in next weekend?s Final. These two sides have met twice this season; the first round producing a 2-0 win for Illawarra, the second round seeing the teams battle out a 1-1 draw.
Illawarra Stingrays have looked the side to beat for the title all season. On the trail of back to back ?double? titles, The Stingrays have had an awesome look about them as they?ve built up a large body count of opposing teams during the year. The side is certainly not short on talent with their first grade starters being supported by a solid bench. Captain Michelle Carney, as always, will lead her side into the fray. Carney is such an inspiring figure to her side with her strong leadership and sublime skills. The Stingrays have the likes of Trudy Camilleri, Ash Connor, Talitha Kramer, Hayley Kerrigan and plenty of others who can come up with a piece of brilliance that may turn the match. With a squad like this to call on Coach Brett Wallin must be very confident of his side?s chances of scooping all the honors on offer in this seasons Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League.
Manly United FC has been one of the more consistent sides in the league throughout 2010. They?ve always been renowned as a tough, physical side but Coach Larry Bates has his girls playing some very exciting football in 2010. Led by the experienced Gill Foster, Manly have plenty of attacking flair. Their conversion rate isn?t always what they?d like but Manly go forward as well as any side in the Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League. Their recent performances have seen them struggle to subdue opponents such as Western NSW Panthers, NWS Koalas, Marconi Stallions and Sydney University. The main point here though is that Manly won three of the four matches and drew the other. Good sides win even when they aren?t on song. Manly is certainly a very good side.
The Stingrays deserve to start favorites here. However, Manly are in with a big chance of scoring an upset. At this time of the season there?s rarely much between the leading teams. After tossing my lucky coin I?ve decided to go for Illawarra in a close one.
With the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League semi finals also being played this weekend after last week?s wash out fans of women?s football are in for a feast of thrills and skills. The title is up for grabs and everyone wants to win the Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League.
See you at the ground this weekend.
-By Ross Anderson