Senior Women Reserves Round 1 Match Report

Sunday 18th April 2010

Melbourne University vs. Doncaster Rovers

After twelve weeks of training and nine practise games the first day of the season was upon us. It didn’t start well as the Carlton traffic got the better of many players that arrived late. The pitch and weather was fantastic and there was no excuses not to play and put into action the hard work that came before. Captain Cassie Neate and Steph C discussed the pros and cons of going with the wind or facing the sun for the toss. Going with the wind was the conclusion and this resulted in Cassie winning the toss.

We didn’t disappoint as the game went on donny’s fitness and speed became evident. Johanna Cotterill was unlikely early on with two long range shots with one clipping the crossbar. The opposition was constantly under pressure and finally cracked in the 22mintues when Steph C finished off a move that Rachel W had a lot to do with, her fast overlapping run on the right wing.

A strong tackle in the middle of the park by young Alyssa Tyler who pushed the ball forward once again found a rampant Steph C who scored her second in the 25 mins. Within a minute of the restart Steph C who started the game at left back could’ve and should’ve had her hatrik with a header within the six yard box that cleaned the crossbar. It was a great corner taken by our long-range free kick and corner specialist Johanna Cotterill who pinpointed the ball to the head of one of the physically smaller players on the pitch.

The heat, sun and possibly grass may have attributed to breathing problems to the normally very strong “anchor midfielder” Brigid McNamara, the speedster Bree Mirabella and similarly very quick Rachel Walker who were substituted and rested midway through the first half.

The players that were introduced did exceptionally well in Supriya Lal in the ‘vacated’ left back position by Steph C (as busy scoring goals up front). Felicity Piganis came into central defensive position.

Our other very young teams member and captain Cassie Neate showed her maturity, exceptional vision and great distribution skills by splitting the oppositions defence with a great through ball that experienced Caitlyn McGuinnes put away shortly after coming on.

The second half was played against the wind with Donny’s defence marshalled by the ever reliable and inseparable Taylan Tyler and Lily Jass stood strong. Our very gifted keeper Rebecca Morris showed great composure in playing the ball out from the back and also carrying out a fantastic save when she came off her line and quickly closed down and saved in a one on one situation. Supriya Lal and Felicity Piganis our other two defenders also did exceptionally well against the wind.

Offensively Bree, Caitlyn and Tata were running rampant with many scoring opportunities but somehow their finishing let them down. Eventually Bree scored an exceptional goal with a strike outside the box in the 65 minute.

Rachel Walker was also re-introduced in the second half and once more as in the first half she didn’t disappoint by finishing off a wonderful move with explosive speed and acceleration finishing off in 87’ min and making the final score 5-0 to Doncaster.

In summary this very young squad has a good opening round encounter. As part of their development many players showed great versatility as were moved according to team needs and did exceptionally well. Players that participated are as follows:

1. Rebecca M

2. Rachel W

3. Stephanie C

4. Taylan T

5. Lily J

6. Brigid M

7. Johanna C

8. Alyssa T

9. Tata I

10. Cassie N

11. Breeana M

12. Supriya L

13. Felicity P

14. Caitlyn M

Scorers: 22’, 25’ Steph, 38’ Caitlyn, 65’ Bree, 87’ Rachel.

We eagerly await our second round class this coming Friday at home against South Yarra.