NEWS: GRFC (WOMEN’S DIVISION) – 2015 GRAND FINAL
BARWON SC secured back to back Premierships, defeating the Surfside Waves in an exciting 2015 GRFC Women’s Division Grand Final at Stead Park on Saturday.
It was the third Grand Final appearance in as many years for the Grovedale based powerhouse, who took out this year’s premiership courtesy of goals by Indre Christy and Rachael Robertson, while the lone goal scorer for the Waves was co-captain Gina Murphy.
The game kicked off in gloriously sunny conditions on an immaculate Stead Park track with both sides keen to get a good start.
Nevertheless, in a tight opening half hour, the game developed into a scrambly affair as both sides battled for ascendency across the midfield.
With the game seemingly headed for a 0-0 scoreline at the break, Surfside earned a corner in the 40th minute.
Veteran attacker and co-captain Cath Sattler floated an inch perfect cross from a corner kick which found her other co-captain Gina Murphy, whose headed effort sailed into the back of the net to give the Waves the lead, heading into the sheds.
Barwon came out in the second half with the aid of a gentle breeze. Veteran utility Drina Marincic was pushed up front while captain Breanna Telford was left to marshal the defence.
The move paid dividends with Barwon looking dangerous whenever an attacking move was unleashed. Inevitably, it didn’t take long for the Grovedale outfit to find the equaliser.
In the 49th minute, a penalty was awarded to Barwon after Surfside defender Renae Billington was adjudged to have handled in the box. Indre Christy stepped up to take the spot-kick and duly converted to bring the game back to a level playing field
The reigning Premiers were pumped and they took the lead just six minutes later following a mad goal mouth scramble, which saw Rachael Robertson bundle the ball over the line for what would ultimately prove to be the winner.
A yellow card was handed out by referee Ortiz in the 58th minute to a Barwon player for taking her time after a free was awarded to Surfside. It was the only caution in a game that was otherwise played out with exemplary sportsmanship shown by both teams.
In the 74th minute, Sattler tried to get the game back on even track, her shot from distance was well aimed but the Barwon keeper was onto it.
Marincic had a chance to seal it in the 78th minute, but her weak shot was parried away by the Surfside keeper.
Barwon had a goal disallowed in the final minutes of regulation time for off side, but it made no difference. The Blue and Whites held on for a memorable victory, much to the delight of the large and vocal Barwon Army contingent.
GRFC Women’s Division Grand Final Match Details:
Surfside Waves 1 (G Murphy 40') defeated by Barwon SC 2 (I Christy 49’, R Robertson 55’) at Stead Park (HT 1-0)
SURFSIDE WAVES: Renae BILLINGTON, Jessica FLETCHER, Allana GILBEE, Nicole MILLS, Gina MURPHY (c), Jasmin PICKETT, Emma RILEY, Cath SATTLER (c), Bridget WALLACE, India VAN GALEN, Lily WARDLEY
Subs: Madi WILDING, Meisha PEARSON, Ash BEAUKENEX, Claire McCARTHY.
BARWON SC: Talia MOSTON, Ruby CHAFER, Rachael ROBERTSON, Michaela BUCHANAN, Paige THOMPSON, Amy RALPH, Drina MARINCIC, Karina DONKERS, Natasha ROBINSON, Leah VAGNONI, Marnia HARRINGTON
Subs: Erin LOSSIE, Stephanie DURRAN, Indre CHRISTY, Bianca MARIJANOVIC, Brianna TELFORD (c)
Referee: Danny ORTIZ.
PHOTO: The Barwon players celebrate their win in the 2015 Women’s Grand Final (Photo: T Prusac)
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