Women’s Div 1 Surfside Waves 1 vs Barwon 0
THAT extra five per cent effort makes all the difference. In a hard-fought contest, great football was played by both sides in another great game.
Once again solid at the back, led by an excellent Madi Wilding, with Cath Sattler outstanding as sweeper mopping up the Barwon through balls and play making from the back, ably supported by hard working Indiah van Galen, super fast Emma Riley, the ever hard at the ball Neisha Pearson and then later our two Div 2 players, Emily Russell looking very accomplished at right back and Rose Evans, brilliant at left back.
The strong midfield led again by captain Gina Murphy, with run from Lexi Pearson tireless Kate Elstone and the rotating wings, Allana Gillbee, skilful as ever, Faye Kendall creating and keeping possession, then Emma Riley, worrying the Barwon defence, plus the great skills and presence of Maddie Hill.
Initially Steffi Wallace and Melissa De Bruin led the charge up front, but Steffi sustained an injury early on, so Alexis Pearson stepped up front.
Chances were created by both sides, but it wasn’t until a great through ball from Cath with about 10 minutes to go sent Alexis through on to the keeper and she finished beautifully on the second attempt. Waves kept it solid in the last 10 minutes to secure a well-deserved win.
Women’s Division 1: Geelong 1 vs Surfside Waves 1
On a wet and windy afternoon in Geelong, both teams struggled with the heavy conditions, but played well considering.
Cath Sattler opened the scoring in the 11th minute, latching on to another Allana Gilbee great through ball and it looked like the Waves were on to a comfortable win.
The backline were in great form again, controlled by the ever-reliable Jasmine Pickett, supported by a welcome return to Emma Riley, composed as ever, Mel De Bruin raising her game again, Neisha Pearson in the centre, first to the ball and bringing the ball out of defence on several occasions to start attacks. Madi Wilding in goal was fully in control of her area.
The midfield was in control for the vast majority of the game, led by co-captain Gina Murphy marshalling the other players and play making, Kate Elstone using her prodigious pace to stop Geelong and also forage forward.
The Waves wide midfielders gave plenty of width and endeavor – Faye Kendall on the right showing poise and skill, Indiah Van Galen working hard, then Maddie Hill brought her skill and experience to create several good chances before half-time, plus Steffi Wallace as the impact player showed her speed and got herself into great positions.
Alexis Pearson showed her pace and Grace Cotter from the Division 2 team enhanced the forward line to great effect.
Geelong equalised with what was its only real chance to make it 1-all. Waves were then chasing the win and looked like they were trying too hard in the final third, and couldn’t quite close the game out.
