sewfa grand final results‏

After weeks of matches played in wet, boggy conditions, the sun broke through for Grand Final day at Blue Lake Sports Park for the South East Women’s Football Association.

Under 14 final – Wanderers 4 d Palace 3
The Under 14s final was the first fixture of the day, contested between Wanderers and Palace. Palace faithful recognised it would be a tough task to bring home the silverware against this opposition, who finished very clearly in poll position at the end of the regulation rounds. Wanderers attacked the Palace goal early however Eleanor McClintock and Ashlae Pilven stood strong in defence. When the ball made its way to the other end of the park, Palace were awarded a penalty which was duly converted by Imogen Pratt. Soon after, another penalty resulted in a 2-0 lead to Palace. Wanderers sought to settle the team and get back in the game and this intensity was rewarded with a goal before half time. Soon after the break, Palace again found the net, giving them a 3-1 lead, stunning Wanderers into a more consolidated attack on goal. As a unit, the light blues pushed forward from Liz Thatcher in the backline to the running strength of Jasmine White and Monique Iannella. Slowly but definitely surely, Wanderers edged back into the game to score a further three before the final whistle ended an absolute thriller of a final and return the silverware to Wanderers.
Goal scorers:
Wanderers – J White, M Sims, K Lehmann, M Iannella
Palace – I Pratt 2, S McCarthy

Two exhibition matches were held between the SEWFA finals – both comprising local juniors against Portland teams. The first featured the local Junior Development Squad girls against a group of similar ages, ranging from about 6 to 10 years old. Played on a smaller pitch with smaller goals, it was a delight to see the effort and enjoyment of the girls. The more experienced SEWFA side dominated much of the play, however the defensive efforts of Portland allowed only one goal in the first half. With players changing positions on the field, to further develop game play, the girls worked well together, bringing into the game skills learned throughout the season. Two more goals were scored for the SEWFA side as the game wore on and Portland legs wore out. A lot of spectators would probably site this as their favourite match of the day, based largely on the obvious enjoyment of all involved.
The second exhibition match consisted of a combined under 14 side from local teams against the Portland side. The SEWFA side held sway in this match, due to its match conditioning and game play strategies. Portland, however, should take a great many positives away from the day, realising that with regular matches, these girls will increase awareness and ball skills at a remarkable rate.
Preceding the senior final, the younger players of the day escorted the two finalists of City and Palace onto the pitch. Local singer Simone Thomas performed a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem before being presented with a bouquet by young Alyssa Leggett, who missed a large portion of the season due to injury.
Palace 3 d City 1
City certainly entered the match as perceived favourites, having travelled through the season without loss. Palace, however, hit the park full of attack and spent a large part of the first half working the ball into the strike zone. Tenacious City work denied any goals though, despite several successive corners from Palace. Jenna McCormick looked dangerous out wide, however terrific defending from Kahlie Trapolino did not allow the ball to be played into goal scoring positions. At the other end of the park, Donna Pratt was doing a similar job on City’s Kirby Maczkowiack, not allowing the speedster to gain any space to attack. A 0-0 scoreline at the break seemed to boost Palace and frustrate City. Not long into the second half, Palace broke the deadlock to gain the lead. The sense of urgency increased for both sides, with each hitting the woodwork as the game wore on. A free kick from just outside the 18 for City saw Jen Smith strike the ball with power and accuracy to edge past the Palace keeper to even the score. Shortly after, the whistle blew for the end of the regulation 35 minutes and saw the game into extra time. With no further addition in the first portion of extra time, the crowd was starting to think the match would be decided on penalties when Palace edged ahead with a goal, then sealed the deal with a third. Despite the odds, City continued their attacks and forced a timely save from Olivia Pratt in the dying minutes of the game.
The conclusion of the match saw Palace supporters swarm the pitch to congratulate their champions claim four premierships in a row.
This week the league Presentation Night will take place at Casadio Park for all ages. Commencing at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, players will be presented with team trophies as well as the prestigious team of the year and best and fairest awards.

Under 14 final

Wanderers 4 d Palace 3
Goal scorers:
Wanderers - J White, K Lehmann, M Sims, M Iannella
Palace - I Pratt 2, S McCarthy


Senior final

Palace 3 d City 1
Goal scorers:
Palace - J McCormick 2, I Pratt
City - J Smith