 Women’s 1: Wellington United Goldens (A) v Lower Hutt Zimmers
Sunday 11th July 2010 @ Melrose Park
Result: 0-4 (win)
Player of the day: Julia Burger-3; Alycia Sturgeon-2; Ju O’Brien-1
After a week of constant rain we didn’t hold out much hope for a game. But Sunday dawned fine and bright, and we headed over to the back of the zoo to play on Melrose Park. This park has severe limitations at the best of times, and I was expecting a pitch full of mud and water. But to my surprise it wasn’t very wet, and apart from being a bit uneven, wasn’t too bad.
The bonus was that an official referee had turned up, and thanks to him for being there.
Coach Mike had set out a few of his disappointments at the conclusion of the last game, and to his surprise at 12 noon (one hour before match kick-off), nearly all of the team had arrived. There was a very positive feel about the squad, and for almost the first time this season we were able to warm up properly, a team could be selected early, and a full team talk was possible.
And this mood went on to the field with us, and we were rewarded with the best performance of the season, winning 4-0 against a reasonably well-performed Wellington United. Changes were forced on us through some players being not available, but the big decision was to play Kaptain Kazz up front, in an attempt to get us a bit more firepower in the front third. And this is exactly what we got.
Hanna continued in goal, and didn’t put a foot wrong. A reconstructed back four had Tessa at right back, Ju and Jessica as the two centre backs, with Alycia Sturgeon at left back.
The midfield had Julia Burger wide on the right, and Liz Smith wide on the left, with the two holding midfielders as Jo and Lisa.
Kaptain Kazz played up front down the right and Tori through the left side.
After 7 weeks out recovering from injury, Rachel Corbett was our only substitute.
The team really did start well, and I began to think that I was at the wrong match (just joking!). We passed well, constantly supported the ball carrier, and we had two front-runners who chased and harried the opposition back-four every time they got the ball. The spin-off for our team was that we completely dominated the first 45 minutes, and went into the break 3-0 in front. Jo Morrison got the first after 16 minutes from long range. Kazz took her fullback apart in a foot race, and slammed home the second after 39 minutes, and Julia Burger hit one from about 25 metres after 43 minutes to give us a healthy lead.
More of the same was the guts of the half-time team talk, and a 4th goal five minutes into the half from Lisa Ching saw us comfortably in front.
Alycia Sturgeon was having her best game of the season, as was Tessa Ward, and the whole team lifted. Julia Burger was having her best game for a while, and was linking particularly well with Kazz Taingahue down the right.
But the real improvement in the team was coming up front where for the first time in 2010 every time we went forward we looked like we could score. In truth it could have been 6, particularly when one of our own players got in the way twice from goal bound efforts.
But we finished very worthy winners, and this must now become the standard that we must aspire to reach in the remaining weeks. Top games from every player, and it was hard to pick our P.O.D. And thanks to Rachel who got through her 10 minutes with no injury problems.
Team: Hanna; Tessa; Ju; Jessica; Alycia; Julia; Jo; Lisa; Liz;Tori; Kazz & Rachel
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