Women’s Premier League – Finals Week 2 Preview

Week two of finals is here in the NSW Womens Premier League. With the North West Sydney Koalas eliminated, we’re down to the final four now.
Sydney University SFC are back again at Valentine Sports Park on Saturday afternoon at 3:30pm as they take on the wounded Macarthur Rams.
These two teams came off, to some extent, shock results over the weekend.
First, University knocked off the more fancied North West Sydney Koalas in the elimination final to progress to the next week. Sian Mclaren was in fine form on Saturday and was one of the main reasons University continued their journey, her penalty save and some incredible saves that followed were the difference. With Erin Wilson working the wing and Meegan Shepherd creating headaches for defences, the Rams will have their hands full. Not to mention Maree Patikas who scored an absolute screamer against the Koalas coming through from midfield.
As for the Macarthur Rams, they were embarrassed down the coast where the Illawarra Stingrays tore them to shreds, putting six goals past them! The Rams used their chance up on the weekend in the major semi final and must turn around quick and put that result behind them if they want to continue their charge toward the grand final. Renee Rollason and Kylie Ledbrook are their key players, if they can perform then the result can go their way.
Throughout the season, these two could not be separated. They shared the spoils in both games, with identical 1-1 score lines. We could be in for a long one on Saturday afternoon if we see much of the same again.
Elimination Semi Final
Macarthur Rams VS Sydney University SFC
Valentine Sports Park Saturday 3:30pm
Cromer Park will be the venue hosting the Marconi Stallions and Illawarra Stingrays on Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm.
The winner of this match gets their ticket into the grand final, the loser gets another opportunity the following week.
The Stallions head into this one rejuvenated and ready to go after a well deserved week off. With their squad at almost full strength now, they’ll have no excuses on Sunday afternoon. Come back queen Heather Garriock has been in fine form this season, pulling the strings from midfield and scoring goals when needed. With Trudy Camilleri, Linda O’neill, Evelyn Chronis and Helen Petinos in front of her, this is one of the most feared attacking teams in the country, let alone the state.
The Stingrays though have their own fire power and they showed it on the weekend, mauling the Rams by an outstanding and comprehensive 6-0 score line. With the majestic Michelle Carney pulling the strings from midfield, she’ll be looking to add to her hat-trick against the Rams over the weekend. Jordan Baker and Erica Halloway will also be important for the Stingrays going forward in this one. The Stingrays have some pay back to hand out as well, losing the minor premiership to the Stallions on goal difference.
Scores have been tight between these two this year. The Stallions snuck passed the Stingrays in the first match between the two, 1-0 the score line. When the two sides met again, the Stallions let a two goal lead slip in a highly entertaining game that finished 2-2. Many believe this could be the grand final in two weeks, nevertheless, an interesting and exciting game lies ahead of us.
Major Semi Final
Marconi Stallions VS Illawarra Stingrays
Cromer Park, Sunday 3:30pm