The Wauchope RSL-sponsored B grade Wanderers had a hard fight on their hands this week, once again playing the Tacking Point Thunder Cruisers whom previously in the season they had lost to 8-0.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Already on the back foot, with multiple players already having played one game that day, and some of the regular B grade players out this week, they called upon various players from C grades’ Wapiti to help out, resulting in a full team with one sub.
The game started strongly, with the Wanderers in attack, pushing through the Cruisers defensive line multiple times but unable to capitalise on their opportunities at goal. The Cruisers pressed back driving through the Wanderers midfield and defensive – ultimately scoring the first goal.
This did not stop the determined Wanderers, bolstered by strong defensive play from the full back, Syrella Hardman Archibald, Sue Byron and Jess Hollis, the ladies were able to press through the Cruisers’ defence, due to the excellent positioning play by midfielders Carol Baker and Olivia Rogers, allowing quick succession passes eliminating the Cruiser players and allowing Olivia to have some fantastic half field runs up the sideline to enter the attacking circle.
Due to the great offensive teamwork getting some runaways, the Wanderers were able to draw up the score with a goal by striker Kelli-Anne Barker.
The rest of the game was deadlocked, with multiple goal scoring opportunities missed by both teams. Then with five minutes to go, the Wanderers broke away and were able to get a penalty short corner.
A strong push-out by Tara Slattery landed firmly on the stick of Captain Carol Baker who creamed the ball into the net securing a 2-1 lead for Wauchope. The girls celebrated quickly then ran back and ferociously defended their lead for the next four minutes determined to preserve their first win of the season.
One last desperate sprint from the Thunder Cruisers strikers couldn’t hold out from the Wanderers’ full press defence – with every player dropping back to defend their win until the final buzzer.
Wauchope RSL-sponsored Players Player of the Match went to Olivia Rogers for her excellent defensive and offensive playing within the midfield, helping her team secure multiple penalties.
In other games around the pitch this week:
- Wauchope Wolverines (A men) won their game 2-0,
- Warriors (A women) played a double header this weekend with many of their regular team out for the first game they drew upon players from our B & C grade teams to help out, losing 3-0 on Saturday and then backed it up on Sunday with a 3-3 draw;
- Wapiti (C women) had a 1-1 draw with only 9 players – it was an exceptional game to watch.
- Wolf Pack (B men) had a bye, and
- Wolf Hounds (C men) pulled through a 1-0 victory to cinch their ranking at the top of the table.