The Builders Club Women’s Division 1 – Round 9 wrap

With Albion Park in State Cup action again this weekend, there were just three Round 9 ties played in the Builders Club Women’s Division 1. Those games all saw wins for Albion Park’s nearest challengers, so there’s all to play for in terms of Finals berths, but a seven-point gap has opened up between 4^th and 5^th in the ladder

We have a pause in the action next weekend, before Albion Park and Balgownie play the catch-up match in midweek, ahead of Round 10 on 17 June.

Fernhill 0-1 Woonona

Woonona’s Kelsey Clements picked up the only goal of the game just before half time to give the Sharks three points and complete a tightly-fought double over Fernhill.

Woonona coach Mick Sutton singled out Morgan Potter for leading the defence and was pleased with the way his midfield worked together but “we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities we created and we’ll need to be more clinical in front of goal against Albion Park next time out.”

After last week’s drubbing at the hands of University, Fernhill coach Josh Sebben was pleased to see his side turn things around ‘with fight and heart.’ In fact, he felt his team deserved a result, and was unlucky to concede direct from a wind-assisted corner. “We opened up gaps in behind their defence but couldn’t manage a finishing touch. We just need to find some consistency away from home.”

And the Foxes’ next trip is just up the road to Judy Masters Oval to take on Balgownie Rangers and try to reverse the 0-1 deficit in the reverse fixture.

 

Kiama 3-1 Russell Vale

Kiama completed the double over Russell Vale with this 3-1 win at home. Katie French, Caitlin Cardwell and Josie-May Iorianni got the Quarriers goals, while Taryn Marie Rhys scored the Black’s only goal of the game. French’s 6^th goal of the season, and Cardwell’s 4^th helped the Quarriers increase their goal difference advantage over rivals for third spot, Woonona.

While pleased with the result, Kiama coach Umberto Sorrentino said it was a tough afternoon for his side, with playing conditions difficult, Russell Vale not giving up, and a number of his players carrying injuries. “It was vital to get three points and thankfully we came away with no more casualties.”

Kiama host University next up in what could be a crucial tie in terms on placings on the ladder at the end of the season. Russell Vale will be looking to complete a double of their own at home to Thirroul, if they are to retain any hope of making the end-of-season Finals.

 

University 5-0 Thirroul

Uni managed to match their Round 1 scoreline in the reverse fixture, and in doing so condemned Thirroul to a third successive defeat. The win keeps the Unicorns snapping at the heels of Albion Park.

Kristen Gorgieski made it nine straight games she has scored in this season, with her goal tally now reaching 16. Captain Elise Battin scored again, taking her to nine for the season, and Georgina Mcdonnell’s brace took her to five for the 2018 campaign. The other goal came from ex-NPL player Rhianna Brown.

For Uni coach Brod Crighton, Thirroul were in the game for the first 25 minutes, but then let in a couple of soft goals. He praised his opponents for taking the game to Uni in the second half, though, and restricting the Unicorns to just one more goal.

Crighton said it wasn’t his side’s best performance and he hoped to use the weekend off not only to get recovery time from injuries but also to work on keeping possession, after too many passes went astray in this game.

Next up for Thirroul is a visit to Russell Vale, where they may be hopeful of getting a result, having lost by a single goal in the reverse fixture just a few weeks ago. Uni have a big match up against third placed Kiama in Round 10.

 

State Cup Round 3

Albion Park 2-1 Avalon

Albion Park had to come from behind to make it through to the Quarter Finals of the State Cup with a narrow 2-1 win over Avalon on Sunday. Renee Crowe and Liandra Gaykamangu scored the vital goals that saw Park through.

Coach Richard Davis said: "Avalon are a good team and they took the game to us. It was not one of our better games, but the girls did not give up, and I'm pleased we came through a hard game like that."

The draw has yet to be made, but among those teams still in the competition are last season’s beaten finalists Northbridge and the team Albion Park beat at the quarter final stage last year, Dunbar Rovers.

Albion Park will play the Round 9 catch-up against Balgownie Rangers on 13 June. The Round 10 fixture against Woonona will likely be postponed as that is scheduled for the next weekend of cup action.

Report by Simon Duffin

File Photo: Pedro Garcia