Women’s Premier Division Minor Semi Final – Sydney University v North Shore Bombers
Written by Lucas Holmes
Recap
In their lone meeting in the 2022 regular season, the North Shore Bombers defeated Sydney University 7.6.48 to 1.7.13 in round 3.
First quarter
After Manly Warringah got a fast start last weekend, Sydney University didn’t let it happen again. Lucy Gilfedder pushed up the ground and took a mark. The students locked the ball inside the forward 50.
The first shot at goal came through Amber Laven.
Emma Gelsomino’s centring ball from the pocket was collected by Laven who snapped across her body. The football bounced on its point and through for a minor score.
The Bombers rushed a behind as Sydney University were relentless in the opening exchanges.
After having soaked up the early pressure from Sydney University, North Shore had an opportunity on the counterattack.
A driving kick from Olivia Edwards allowed Phoebe Gray to get over the back of the University defence. However, Ester Maling’s chase prevented Gray from taking a bounce, and she was penalised.
At the other end of the ground, Louise Anderson’s smother prevented a certain Laven goal. The term was goalless after nine minutes of elapsed time.
Gilfedder finally broke the deadlock.
Tessa Berger and Rayanne Kenny combined inside the forward 50. Berger’s kick to a one-on-one contest favoured Gilfedder, who marked on the angle just outside the goal square.
After 14 minutes of elapsed time, Gilfedder had the only goal for the quarter.
For all of Sydney University’s dominance, North Shore would’ve been thrilled to have only conceded 10 points.
Quarter time Sydney University 1.4.10 North Shore Bombers 0.0.0.
Second quarter
The Bombers were gifted an opportunity inside the opening minute of the second term.
Kara Selvarajah was awarded a 50-metre free kick. Her set shot from 25 metres out, directly in front didn’t have the required journey.
North Shore locked the football inside their forward 50, which resulted in their first score.
From a secondary stoppage, Selvarajah flicked a handball out to Shannon Smit whilst on the ground. Smit snapped across her body from the forward pocket, the football was juggled over the line by Matilda Eder.
The pressure around the football was intense from both sides. Clear possessions were hard to come by with play inside the centre square.
Lauren Houghton thumped a set shot from 35 metres out, just off centre. The football drew in flight and through for a minor score, the Bombers second behind.
There was a stoppage in play for a few minutes as a stretcher was required to attend to Laven.
Once play resumed, it didn’t take long for Sydney University to kick their second goal.
From a stoppage inside the centre square, Daisy George won the clearance and sent the football inside the forward 50.
Stephanie Gillon was front and centre to the initial contest and kicked from 20 metres out almost directly in front.
Sydney University continued to dominate the territory battle. However, Charlie Fyffe and Kimberley Batley took intercept marks deep in defence.
North Shore had a chance late in the term.
The football was over the back of the Sydney University defence. Smit may have had more time than she realised and chipped the ball from outside the goal square instead of taking it all the way.
Half time Sydney University 2.6.18 North Shore Bombers 0.3.3.
Third quarter
Dominique Carruthers sent the football inside the forward 50 from the ball up, and Edwards won a free kick in the forward pocket. Edwards’ set shot didn’t have the distance, but the Bombers forwards kept the football in play.
North Shore kept the ball in the forward half, and Sydney University couldn’t clear beyond the centre wing. Elle Carroll had moved behind the football as an intercept marking option.
Sydney University made the most of one of their first entries inside the forward 50 in the third term.
From a free kick on the half-forward flank, Kara Durante found Gilfedder on the lead. From 25 metres on a slight angle, Gilfedder kicked her second.
It was almost a carbon copy of the first term, only this time it was North Shore with the lion’s share of the territory. The Bombers had it all to do to keep their season alive.
Three quarter time Sydney University 3.6.24 North Shore Bombers 0.3.3.
Fourth quarter
The Bombers made a tactical change to begin the final term. Kate Reynolds was moved to full forward with Alannah Green in the ruck.
Neither side was able to gain a clear advantage early. Like the third term, North Shore worked the football inside the forward 50 but Sydney University’s defence stood tall.
The students transitioned the ball from the back half quickly. As a result, they got over the back.
From the centre wing, Harley sent the ball deep inside the forward 50. Kenny applied a strong tackle which created a loose ball. Gilfedder outmuscled Emily Matheson, and she dribbled home her third.
After nine minutes of elapsed time, Sydney University’s lead was 27 points which was maintained for the rest of the quarter.
Full time Sydney University 4.6.30 North Shore Bombers 0.3.3.
Bella Gray was unstoppable across half back for Sydney University. Maryanne Harley took intercept marks deep in defence and then showed her composure with ball in hand. Rebecca Mitchell created a contest at stoppages but importantly made Kate Reynolds accountable once the football went to the ground.
Dominique Carruthers was one of the best players on the entire ground. Her work at stoppages almost kept North Shore in the game. Kimberley Batley was solid in defence. Whilst Olivia Edwards was dynamic in the forward half.
Sydney University 4.6.30
Goal kickers: L. Gilfedder 3, S. Gillon
Best: B. Gray, J. Lew, M. Harley, R. Mitchell, M. Sheahan, L. Maneschi
North Shore Bombers 0.3.3
Sydney University will play the East Coast Eagles in the Preliminary Final for the chance to take on Manly Warringah in the Grand Final.
The Preliminary Final will be played on Sunday at 11:10 AM at Henson Park.
