By: Lachlan SHIRLEY

THE historic Geelong Region Women’s Div 1 clash between Deakin Ducks and Drysdale SC at the iconic GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon didn’t disappoint any of the spectators present as the pulsating game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

PHOTO: Action from the historic Drysdale v Deakin clash at GMHBA Stadium last Saturday (Photo: Tonci Prusac)

Traditional local rivals Deakin Ducks and Drysdale both got a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ to play on the pristine surface of GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, which served as the curtain raiser to the main event, the WNPL game between Galaxy United and Bulleen Lions.

Drysdale led Deakin 1-0 at half time thanks to a first half Serena Stephens goal, as well as some fast paced football and a high work rate.

This continued into the second half with the same style of play from the Drysdale side, with Drysdale’s second goal coming from a corner when Stephens crossed it in and all Deakin’s keeper could do was punch the ball into her own net.

As Drysdale tired, however, Deakin got a chance to come back after a header by Kim Ferguson made its way over the Drysdale keeper to make the scores 1-2.

Deakin gained confidence from the goal and got around Drysdale’s defence too many times which led to Deakin levelling the score through Meghan Ryan.

The game ended in a stalemate, with the final score being 2-2.

Drysdale currently sits in 3^rd position on the Women’s Division 1 table with 7 points while Deakin sits in 5^th spot on the table with six points. Such is the even nature of the league, Deakin is just two points off the top team.

That top team is Barwon SC, who jumped to top spot on the ladder after defeating Bell Park 4-1 at Grovedale Reserve on Saturday.

Amy Ralph’s double and goals from Giselle Harris and Michaela Buchanan made up the four goals for Barwon, while Elizabeth Sarcevic scored Bell Park’s only goal.

Barwon now sits on the top of the ladder with 8 points, while previous competition leaders Bell Park slip to second on the table, also with 8 points but with a slightly inferior goal difference.

Surf Coast visited bottom side Kardinia College and came away from clash with all three competition points after defeating the hosts 5-0.

Unfortunately, the goalscorers for Surf Coast were not submitted by the club. This result means that Surf Coast stays 6^th, but now have four points and are only two points behind 5^th placed Deakin.

Kardinia, however, is yet to register any points and sits anchored to the bottom with a -23 goal difference.

Lachlan Shirley is a young SEDA student, currently doing work experience with FFV Geelong. He will be compiling regular weekly reports on the Geelong Region Men’s and Women’s Division 1 competitions.