Round 21 Preview – Women’s State League
The Premiership race has stretched the entirety of the 2015 season, and in the final round of Women’s State League football, either of the Western NSW Mariners FC or Bankstown City FC could emerge as victors.
Bankstown City FC vs. St. George FC – Sunday 30 August, 3PM at Jensen Park
After a remarkable weekend, Bankstown City FC are now breathing down the throat of the Western NSW Mariners FC, and could claim the Premiership dramatically in Round 21.
This will require quite some luck on their behalf, with the Mariners needing to fail to win in their remaining two fixtures (a makeup game included) against the bottom placed Southern Districts. Nevertheless, Bankstown will look to sweep aside St. George on Sunday and put themselves in the best possible position.
St. George have little to play for in Round 21, unable to move out of third place. That being said, they will look at this game as an important warm up for the post-season. Beating Bankstown would be an important boost of confidence, while denting the morale of their likely Finals opposition.
Gladesville Ravens vs. Parramatta FC – Sunday 30 August, 3PM at Peel Park
The Gladesville Ravens have already secured a spot in the Finals, thanks to a remarkable run of form in the second half of the season. This culminated in an impressive win against the Western NSW Mariners FC in Round 20.
This weekend’s fixture, therefore, could be seen as a celebration of their season, at home in Peel Park with Finals participation secured.
However, now is not the time to take their foot off the accelerator. Although their position on the table is settled, the Ravens will be looking to maintain their momentum and concentration this weekend with a convincing win against Parramatta.
Parramatta FC have struggled over the past few months and sit in second last place. Although they’ve not much to play for, Parramatta will still hope to finish their first season in the Women’s State League on a high and look for complacency in the home side this weekend.
Mt. Druitt Town Rangers FC vs. APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Sunday 30 August, 3PM at Popondetta Park
Both Mt. Druitt and APIA Leichhardt will be greatly disappointed with their finish to the season, having each been major contenders for a spot in the top four.
With only one round to go, however, neither will be able to overcome the resurgent Gladesville Ravens. This fixture would have been the match of the round if played a month ago, but now represents a relative dead rubber.
Nevertheless, both sides will look to finish their seasons strongly and earn bragging rights over the other; having fought neck and neck since the middle of the season.
The Rangers and Tigers struggled in early rounds, but showed great determination to turn their seasons around and contend for the Finals. A win in Round 21 will apply a positive final touch to what has been a commendable year for both parties.
Southern Districts SFA vs. Western NSW Mariners FC – Sunday 30 August, 3PM at Stanwell Oval
The Western NSW Mariners FC will have expected to have had the Premiership wrapped up by this point. A win in either of their fixtures over the past weekend could have done as much.
Instead, they will be forced to work to the very end if they’re to earn the Women’s State League Premiership in 2015.
The Mariners will feel that fatigue and squad depth may have played a part in their losses to Bankstown City FC and Gladesville Ravens over the weekend. With a week to focus and regather themselves, they will be determined not to give the Southern Districts an inch in Round 21.
Southern Districts will finish in last place this season, no matter this weekend’s results. Nevertheless, they will look to finish their season strongly and will be excited by the opportunity to ruin the Mariners’ potential Premiership celebrations.
-by Daniel Palmer, Women’s State League Reporter
