Match Report – Women’s vs UNSW – 02/08/2014
The Warrior Women jumped back into the winner’s circle on Saturday with an upset 37-point victory over UNSW at Village Green.
The Warriors got off to a fast start, with early goals to Aislinn Albury and Amanda Farrugia, before UNSW replied with a late first term goal (via a free kick) to see Mac Uni head into the first break with a 6-point lead. Steff Lee and Salome Cerda-Vargas were rebounding well out of defence and key forwards Jessie Wong and Lisa Roper were providing great targets up front.
The second term saw the emergence of 17 year old star, Bec Beeson. The 2014 All-Australian Youth kicked two goals in the second quarter and marked everything that came her way. Those two key goals gave the Warriors a 19-point lead heading into the halftime break and suddenly an upset was brewing. The midfield of Laila Waisu, Liz Fassone and Amanda Farrugia were also dominating, and Nakita Brown excelled in her first game back in the ruck.
The third quarter, as expected, proved pivotal. Kicking with an increasing wind, UNSW continued to surge but the Warrior defense once again held firm. Barbara Lynch had her best game for the season, and Belinda Muldoon was in fantastic form at fullback. Loretta Moore continued to blanket a key UNSW on-baller in effective fashion and Tash Nair was extremely disciplined in her defensive role. The opposition failed to score for the term, and when Aislinn Albury kicked a wonderful running goal against the run of play, the Warriors were in control and looking to finish the job in the final term.
Three last quarter goals - two more to Bec Beeson and a boundary line stunner to Amanda Farrugia - effectively finished the game. Sarah Botros and Jess Willemse battled hard on the wings to keep the ball in the forward half while rookies Brooke Ashcroft and Roxi Borange gained valuable match experience throughout the second half.
The win was Mac Uni’s first ever against UNSW and has kept the Warrior’s finals hopes alive heading into next week’s game against fellow finals aspirant Balmain. Many thanks must go to our helpers Lisa Pethybridge, Sam Martin, and Wes.
Highlights:
- Aislinn Albury’s running goal in the third term was a wonderful display of athleticism from the ruckman/key forward. Ace not only has the height and pace, but also a great footy brain, which makes her a very valuable player for the Warriors.
- Belinda Muldoon’s defensive work at full back, often against much taller opponents, has been a huge factor in the Warrior’s success in recent seasons. Binny is a fearless competitor and is not only very physical, but also isn’t afraid to take the game on at any stage.
- The Warrior goal-kicking was also a highlight on Saturday. Mac Uni kicked 8 goals 2 behinds, meaning the girls made the most of their opportunities and capitalized on some hard work further afield from the midfielders and defenders.
Best Players
Bec Beeson, Belinda Muldoon, Loretta Moore, Amanda Farrugia, Aislinn Albury, Barbara Lynch
Goals
Bec Beeson 4, Aislinn Albury 2, Amanda Farrugia 2
Final Score
Warriors 8.2 (50) def UNSW 2.1 (13)
Last Modified on 20/03/2017 21:05