Women’s Premier Division Match of the Round Review – UTS AFC Bats vs. Inner West Magpies

Written By Lucas Holmes 

 

Recap

After a two point loss to Sydney University in round four, UTS Bats where back on the Road with a late venue change from Trumper Park to Picken Oval due to the impact of wet weather. Inner West Magpies, after a five goal loss to the ladder leading East Coast Eagles, required a win to maintain their spot in the top five.

The Bats tackling pressure around the football was constant across four quarters, but as soon as the ball got to the outside the Magpies speed and accurate ball movement proved the difference. With Inner West leading from start to finish comfortably a seven goal victory

 

First quarter

Inner West had the majority of possession in the early stages along with repeated forward 50 entries. An intercept mark by Jordan Magee from a UTS kick out found Eleri Morris who converted a straightforward set shot for the first goal of the afternoon. The Magpies second came soon after as a number of short, accurate kicks found Erin Todd 20 metres out directly in front.

UTS first goal of the afternoon came as a result of their tackling pressure (which had been a feature of their first quarter). Jessica Quade laid a strong tackle deep inside their forward 50 converting a simple set shot. At quarter time the score reads UTS Bats 1.1.7 Inner West Magpies 2.2.14

 

Second quarter

The Bats started strongly in the second quarter, Kaitlin McCaffery was instrumental but they couldn’t capitalise on early chances.

A UTS turnover saw Tanya Kennedy turn blindly and transition the Magpies into attack. Todd latched onto the disputed ball, running to 40 metres and kicking the first goal of the second term (her second). This was the only goal of the second quarter. At half time, Inner West Magpies 3.5.23 lead the UTS Bats 1.2.8

 

Third Quarter  

After playing a large part of the second quarter in the forward line, Pippa Smyth moved back into the ruck to commence the third quarter. In the opening minutes, the UTS back six held firm repelling every Inner West attacking move. McCaffrey arguably one of the Bats best, received a 50 metre penalty for encroachment on the mark to kick the first goal of the third quarter.

The Magpies answered back immediately after some chain handballs through the middle of the ground ending with the captain Gillian Behan. Behan spotted Magee inside the forward 50 who turned onto her right foot snapped a goal.

The momentum shifted in the favour of Inner West kicking three consecutive goals before a late Quade goal. At three Quarter time UTS Bats 3.2.20 Inner West Magpies 6.7.43.

 

Fourth Quarter

UTS started strongly in the fourth quarter, a stoppage inside the forward 50 saw Melissa Lindsay taken high as she attempted to send the ball to the top of the goal square. The resulting free kick saw Inner West intercept and swiftly move the ball to centre wing (their ball movement being a key factor in deciding the result).

Todd with a strong tackle drove the ball inside forward 50 in the direction of Rebecca Privitelli. Showing her football IQ, the GWS listed player expertly dispossessed her opponent of the footy before snapping across her body to kick the opening goal of the fourth quarter.

Morris found herself unmarked in the goal square after another UTS turnover in their defensive 50. Privitelli unselfishly centres the ball to Morris who plays on and kicked an easy goal. Another error from a Bats kick out saw Behan kick to Morris at the top of the goal square to kick her third on the full-time siren.  Full time score UTS Bats 3.2.20 Inner West Magpies 9.8.62.

For UTS Kaitlin McCaffrey was impressive as was Melissa Lindsey with the work rate of Pippa Smyth also important. For Inner West Erin Todd and Gillian Behan were standouts.

 

UTS Bats 3.2.20

Goal kickers: J. Quade 2, K.McCaffrey

Best: D. Geraghty, A, Stramotas, A. Amberg, M. Lindsay, S. Goldrick, P. Smyth

Inner West Magpies 9.8.62

Goal kickers: E. Morris 3, R. Privitelli 2, E. Todd 2, E. Heads, J. Magee

Best: G. Behan, J. Magee, L, Kassem, E. Todd, R. Privitelli, M. Convery

 

Premier Division Women’s – Match of the Round next week; 

Pennant Hills Demons vs. North Shore Bombers – Mike Kenny Oval 12:40pm Saturday May 15

 

Photo by Merrillie Redden