The Builders Club Women’s Division 1 – Round 10 wrap + NSW State Cup

Strong winds made for tough playing conditions as the Builders Club Women’s Division 1 returned to action this weekend. Results in Round 10 saw a switch at the foot of the ladder, while University consolidated its position as nearest challenger to champions Albion Park. Uni’s Kristen Gorgieski left it late this weekend, but managed to continue her remarkable run of scoring in every round of league action in 2018.

Meanwhile, Albion Park continued its great cup run and now moves to the semi finals of the NSW State Cup after another closely fought win this weekend.

Balgownie Rangers 1-3 Fernhill

Fernhill Foxes were flying this weekend. The 3-1 win at Judy Masters Oval was sweet revenge for the 0-1 defeat Balgownie inflicted on them in the reverse fixture earlier this season. And it takes the Foxes off the foot of the ladder on goal difference.

It was the Foxes’ running start in dreadful conditions which won this tie. Two goals in the opening ten minutes set the scene for the visitors. Jessica Cruickshank was on the spot to open the scoring before Caitlin Walker doubled their lead from the penalty spot and Lisa Paton sealed the win in the second half.

Fernhill assistant coach Rob Chicharo said: “After a good performance two weeks ago, the girls showed they were hungry for a win and were clinical early on. It was a great team effort in miserable conditions and a well-deserved win.”

Rangers coach Earle Canvin acknowledged that the Foxes dealt with the conditions better than his side. Kalinda Wills made it 2-1 before the break, but Balgownie were unable to nick an equaliser before Fernhill’s third hit the net late on.

Next up for Balgownie is a visit to Thirroul, while Fernhill take on Russell Vale in Round 11, with both sides now looking for back-to-back wins.

 

Kiama 0-1 University FC

University completed the double over Kiama this weekend, but left it late to secure the three points. Kristen Gorgieski’s 17^th goal of the season won it for the Unicorns with just ten seconds left on the clock.

Uni coach Brod Crighton was full of admiration for his star striker, who had been ill in bed for the week leading up to this match, but he singled out Georgia McDonald for an ‘exceptional performance’ on the day.

With Uni holidays and a growing injury list, Crighton might find his squad stretched in the next couple of rounds. He’ll be pleased to see the eight point gap between Uni in second and third placed Kiama after this one, but next up is fourth placed Woonona, so the pressure on his side continues.

For Kiama coach Umberto Sorrentino, the late goal was a cruel blow at the end of a tightly fought match: “It was a tremendous team effort and the girls deserved something out of the game, but we’ll regroup in midweek and give Albion Park another go next time out.”

 

Russell Vale 2-0 Thirroul

Russell Vale completed the double over Thirroul with this 2-0 win at Cawley Park. Taryn Marie Ruiz gave the Black the lead late in the first half, and Jasmin Pearce’s goal with 13 minutes remaining sealed the three points. The win leaves Russell Vale still four points short of fourth spot, but a win next week against Fernhill could make the fight for Finals spots interesting as the season turns into the final straight.

This defeat, along with victory for Fernhill, means Thirroul is now propping up the ladder on goal difference. A result against Balgownie next week would help Thirroul’s cause, but the key fixture of the season will see Thirroul take on Fernhill in three weeks’ time in a match which could decide which side occupies the basement in The Builders Club League Division 1 this year.

 

State Cup Quarter Final

Albion Park 2-1 Dunbar Rovers

Albion Park came from behind again this weekend to keep its defence of the NSW State Cup on track. The result was a repeat of the 2017 quarter finals against the same Eastern Suburbs side.

Park coach Richard Davis said: “This was a good game between two good teams and would really have made a great cup final.”

Dunbar scored after 10 minutes, but Rylee McGartland equalised from the penalty spot after Brittany Ring was brought down in the area. The end-to-end cup tie was settled by Ring herself when she outpaced her markers and chipped the Dunbar keeper for the winner.

The semi finals will be played on 1 July and the draw sees Albion Park up against Balmain, with last season’s cup final opponents Northbridge still in the comp in the other half of the draw.

Albion Park returns to league action this Thursday with the Round 10 catch-up fixture against Woonona at Terry Reserve, before next weekend’s trip down the coast to Kiama.