Women’s Premier Division Match of the Round Review – Sydney University v UNSW-ES Bulldogs

Written by Lucas Holmes

 

Sydney University entered this round 8 match following a tight four-point victory over Manly Warringah. Whilst the UNSW-ES Bulldogs defeated the Southern Power by 27 points.

 

First quarter

It was a very physical and stop-start beginning to the first term at a slippery Sydney University number one Oval.

But it didn’t take the home side long to get on the board.

From a free kick on the half-forward flank, Lucy Gilfedder’s centring ball was marked at the top of the goal square by Amber Laven. After three minutes of elapsed time, University had the first major.

The Bulldogs had their first chance in their forward half after some slick ball movement.

From their half-back flank, Maddy Kohlrusch sent the ball to the centre wing where Emily Conlan’s lightning handball created an overlap for the Bulldogs. The football ended up in the hands of Clementine Hambour but she was run down from behind by Kate Hesse.

University added to their tally after 14 minutes. A 50-metre free kick was paid for an infraction on the mark and Maryann Harley made no mistake from 30 metres out on a slight angle.

Quarter time Sydney University 2.0.12 UNSW-ES Bulldogs 0.0.0.

 

Second quarter

The football was camped on the far side of the ground in the early part of the term after both sides found it hard to win a clear possession.

Sydney University was able to open the play through the middle of the ground and keep the football inside their forward 50.

From a ball up at centre half-forward, Lauren Maneschi’s quick kick found the chest of Amber Laven.

From 25 metres out on a slight angle, Laven had her second goal in just over a quarter.

The Bulldogs almost hit straight back.

Sera Kaukiono ran off the back of the centre square and sent UNSW-ES onto the attack. Conlan won a free kick after she laid a strong tackle and her pass found Willow Smith tucked into the forward pocket. Smith’s kick from 30 metres out just fell short and was tapped through for a minor score.

Gabby Ferreira had a tough chance soon after. Smith’s wide handball released Ferreira in the forward pocket, her running check side was pushed across the face of the goal for another minor score.

Stephanie Gillion added to University’s lead after 12 minutes. Saskia Johnson won a free kick for holding the ball just outside the forward 50. Gillion was pushed out of the marking contest and converted the set shot from 35 metres out from goal.

Half time Sydney University 4.0.24 UNSW-ES Bulldogs 0.2.2.

 

Third quarter

Sydney University looked to use the football through the centre corridor in the opening minutes of the third term. Maneschi started to gain parity in the ruck contests as Lara Taggart was dominant in the first half.

As a result, they opened the quarter with two minor scores as the Bulldogs struggled to get the ball beyond the centre.

Lucy Gilfedder kicked her first goal of the afternoon after she took a strong contested mark.

Nikki Seroukas won a holding the ball free kick on the half-forward flank. Her kick to the hotspot was well marked by Gilfedder who made no mistake from the short set shot.

Erin Gelsomino made it two goals in quick succession for Sydney University.

From a ball up at the top of the goal square, Gelsomino read Taggart’s tap best and snapped home from the forward pocket. The lead was 36 points.

Gilfedder added her second goal almost immediately after as a sharp handball enabled Seroukas time as she delivered low into the forward pocket. Gilfedder collected the football in stride and dribbled home from the tightest of angles as university decided to put the foot down.

The Bulldogs had their first goal after 16 minutes of elapsed time.

After a Sydney University free kick in their defensive 50, the Bulldogs created a turnover. Hambour sent the ball to the top of the goal square where Smith took an uncontested mark and made no mistake from the set shot.

Three quarter time Sydney University 7.2.44. UNSW-ES Bulldogs 1.2.8.

 

Fourth quarter

The Bulldogs changed tactics as the fourth term commenced, Kaukiono was moved from half-back into the centre square.

The football stayed between the two arcs as both sides’ tackle pressure lifted in the opening exchanges.

This was until Gelsomino kicked her second after five minutes of elapsed time.

Bella Gray forced a turnover in the middle of the ground. Gray kept the football in front which enabled Gelsomino to run inside the forward 50 under no pressure, skidding the football through the vacant goal square.

Kohlrusch was instrumental to the Bulldogs’ next opportunity. Her kick inside the forward 50 was almost marked by Sophie Griffiths who followed up her first effort, but her snap was just touched on the goal line by Esther Maling.

Gilfedder added her third after a set shot from 25 metres out on a tight angle as Sydney University ran away with a 48-point win.

Full time Sydney University 9.3.57

 

Lucy Gilfedder was instrumental in the forward half for Sydney University. Bella Gray disrupted countless Bulldogs’ kicks in defence. Whilst Lauren Maneschi fought back well in the ruck in the second half.

Lara Taggart was dominant in the ruck for the Bulldogs. Maddy Kohlrusch’s run and carry around the contest was important. Whilst Emily Conlan’s disposal impressed further up the ground.

 

Sydney University 9.3.57

Goal kickers: L. Gilfedder 3, E. Gelsomino 2, A. Laven 2, S. Gillon, M. Harley

Best: L. Gilfedder, M. Harley, E. Gelsomino, E. Doyle, G. Mann, L. Maneschi

 

UNSW-ES Bulldogs 1.3.9

Goal kickers: W. Smith

Best: H. Stanford, L. Taggart, Mattison Ball, Mckenzie Ball, M. Kohlrusch, X. Krochmal