It was perfect weather and a perfect pitch as players and spectators came together at Ocean Park on Sunday afternoon for round three of the The Builders Club Women’s Division 1 match where Woonona came out on top with a 2-0 win over visitors Fernhill who didn’t let down without a challenge.

The game started evenly, with the ball travelling up both ends of the field, it seemed that neither team really having any clear cut chances inside the opening quarter hour.

With their first real opportunity, Woonona hit the lead on 16 minutes. Kate Stewart latching onto a deep cross from a corner kick where she managed to head the ball into the net. The ball flew in and over several defenders who appeared to be caught flat footed as Stewart calmly nodded home from 5 yards out.

The goal seemed to spur the Sharks as just a few minutes later, Samantha Clark managed to swiftly run the ball down field before unleashing a strike from 20 metres out that forced a terrific save from the Fernhill goalkeeper - Chontelle Kelly.

Woonona clearly had their tails up throughout the first half with Fernhill doing well to hang on as more and more pressure was being mounted on the defence and goalkeeper who were working overtime to keep out the Sharks at bay.

Fernhill almost drew level just before half time as a speculative shot was sent in the direction of the goal. The Woonona goalkeeper - Kahlia Rasch inexplicably dropped the ball cold before seeing it trickle in behind her and towards goal. Fortunately for the Sharks, she was able to recover and prevent what would have been a gift of a goal.

Woonona went into the break 1-0 up however Fernhill would have been buoyed by the fact they hung in there through to half time where they were looking to regroup.

Both teams returned to the field after half time with a renewed sense of eagerness. Again, the ball was travelling down both ends with Woonona still looking the likelier team to score.

Woonona’s pressure finally told on 53 minutes when the elusive Shannon Peters cut the ball across goal for Samantha Walker who had time to take a touch before placing it comfortably past the keeper to put the Sharks in control 2-0. It was nothing less than what they deserved to this point.

Credit to Fernhill who were under pressure for large periods of the game yet they managed to hold Woonona to a respectable score. Their effort particularly in the second half seemed to suggest that they are improving each week and their defenders all worked tirelessly throughout the match.

Woonona now make it two from two and sit perched top of the competition ladder however with several teams still having games in hand due to the wet weather, this is subject to change. Thee however are good signs for a team that fared well last year and is looking to take it another step further. The Sharks take on the much-improved Balgownie next week whilst Fernhill’s job doesn’t get any easier as they take on Tarrawanna.

Referee: Brett McAulay

Woonona W1: Samantha Clark, Angela Graham, Lisa Ireland, Melanie Ireland, Le-Tisha Kable, Shannon Peters, Morgan Potter, Jordan Van De Voorde, Jordan Wheatley, Samantha Walker, Sara Hamilton, Kate Stewart, Kahlia Rasch, Makayla Moore.

Fernhill FC W1: Karina Bell, Chelsea Buesnel, Jessica Cruickshank, Lauren Harper, Teira Humby, Chontelle Kelly, Jessica Kelly, Jacoda Links, Katrina O’Donnell, Kate Sebben, Emilia Skopal, Caitlin Walker, Danielle Crapis.

Sunday, 23 April 2pm – Ocean Park, Woonona

In other matches:

University FC edged out Thirroul White 1-0 in a contest that could have gone either way.

Tarrawanna made light work of Thirroul Blue thumping them 8-0 as they register their first points of the season. Irene Kynacou and Jasmin Pearce netting a hat-tricks with Elise Battin and Camille Augustyn also getting on the scoresheet.

Kiama Quarriers also got their season started with a handy 2-0 win at home over Balgownie. Jade Braun and Allira Giles-Gregory getting the goals.

Albion Park are yet to kick a ball as they had a Bye on top of their previously washed out games.

Report by Lauren Ferri, @Lauren_Ferri

Photo by Noel Wynn