Womens State League Grand Final Review
In an end-to-end game, UNSW Lions defeated Western NSW Mariners 2-1 in the Womens State League Grand Final at Popondetta Park in Mt Druitt. Two first half goals to UNSW proved enough to secure their second championship in two seasons.
UNSW Lions 2-1 Western NSW Mariners. Popondetta Park.
UNSW Lions started the stronger of the two sides, dominating possession in the Mariners half. On seven minutes, Gabrielle Marzano had the first shot on goal after a clever run past three defenders. Just moments later, Western NSW Mariners fullback Rachel Morris tried her luck with a free kick from 30 yards.
It was UNSW on the scoresheet first on eleven minutes. After a good bit of build up play from Shani Lauf and Emma Searle released Gabrielle Marzano down the left flank, Marzano’s cross was whipped across goal, and Jane Hanrahan got the unlucky touch to turn the ball into her own net.
Over the next ten minutes, the two sides traded chances, but neither could find the back of the net. For the Mariners, Teigan Cox had two shots from distance saved, while Ayse Adalis was in the thick of things as usual for UNSW.
While UNSW looked quite comfortable, the Mariners came back into the game, getting more touches on the ball and building pressure on the Lions. However, this good work was undone five minutes before the break, as Ayse Adalis and Gabrielle Marzano combined again to put the Lions two ahead.
The goal was typical Ayse Adalis. After receiving the cross from Marzano, Adalis set herself, swivelled on her left leg, and buried the ball in the bottom corner of the goal from 20 yards. Unstoppable.
Undeterred, the Mariners came straight back into the match in the second half, pulling a goal back just four minutes from the restart. Amanda Seskin blocked Gillian Rosconi’s lob outside of the box, and a free kick was awarded to Western NSW. Rachel Morris picked her spot and drove the ball home, leaving Seskin no chance in goals.
Mason’s thunderbolt instantly changed the game, as UNSW now had to defend their lead with 40 minutes of football still left to play. Megan Embleton, Teigan Cox and Gillian Rosconi started to get more of the ball in the final third, putting huge pressure of UNSW’s defence.
On 58 minutes, Megan Embleton put Katie Pakai-Kelly through on goal for Western NSW Mariners, but Xanthe Dumbrell did enough to pressure the speedy winger, who shot straight at the keeper.
Five minutes later, Erin Holder had a chance to bring the scores level, but her shot went just wide of the post, before Rachel Mason tried her luck again from a free kick, this time sending her shot high and wide.
Perhaps the best chance of the second half fell to Megan Embleton on 65 minutes, as a smart bit of play from Erin Holder released Gillian Rosconi down the right wing. Rosconi’s cross was perfect, but with only the keeper to beat Embleton’s first time shot went just wide.
Despite a flurry of late chances for Western NSW, they couldn’t find the equaliser as UNSW’s defence held firm. It was a great second half comeback from the Mariners, who fought hard until the final whistle. They were one of the toughest sides to beat, and played good football all season, culminating in the minor premiership.
In the end, however, UNSW held on for the championship, completing a remarkable nine-game winning streak to round out another successful season. Full credit must go to Sally Paterson and her coaching staff, as well as the players, who played attacking and enterprising football throughout the year.
Reserves
In the reserves, it was the Stephanie Lagudi show at Popondetta Park, as the Parramatta Ladyhawks striker scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory over Western NSW Mariners.
In the u/16s, Western NSW Mariners were too good for Southern Branch, whilst UNSW won in both the u/14s and u/16s Grand Finals, completing a wonderful day for the club.
-By Joe Gorman
