Photos by Mark Tizard
The Women’s local league kicked off this weekend, and in what was destined to be the fixture of the round, certainly didn’t disappoint.
Geelong Rangers, last year’s premiership team took on our Warrior’s Women’s team which was newly formed, with a blend of experience and exciting new talent. This was the first official game for the Warriors after a successful series of friendly games over the last few months in the lead-up to the start of the season. A return to senior women’s football at Elcho Park for the first time in 3 years, and the support that was present, was a clear sign that the female version of the game at Elcho Park is here to stay!
As expected, the game was fast paced and physical at times. North Geelong looked to attack at every opportunity, whilst Rangers defended in numbers and countered quickly to take advantage of the gaps in the Warriors defence. This proved to be successful for the Rangers, as they soaked up the pressure, defending strongly, and struck decisively at the other end through Britt Elsen with a clinical finish. She was clearly one of the most dangerous players for the Rangers and the warnings continued shortly after, when she received a quick through ball after a loss in possession from the Warriors and went on to finish positively, making it 2-0 at the main break.
The Warriors were still upbeat and knew that they had done enough in the first half to still challenge for this game. The Warriors lifted and pushed their opponents further up the field, creating a series of opportunities in the first 15 minutes of the second half. The Rangers girls defended strongly and tried to break out of their half on a number of occasions, relieving the pressure on defensive line. Successful combination plays from Warriors midfielders, Ortiz and Zebic proved successful in the 56th minute when Captain Lara Heric received a through ball and just outside the Box struck the ball positively, looping over the stranded rangers keeper and into the back of the net. That goal set the Warriors on a frenzy of attacks trying to get the equalizer, whilst defensive trio Akmacic, Opacak and Smilovic managed to curtail the threat that was always present with Elsen.
After a series of missed opportunities to equalise, and after another wave of hopeful attacking moves the warriors spread the ball out wide, and with a quick cross field pass seeking out the run at the back post from substitute Volarevic, who had the presence of mind to finish superbly from close range. The scores were level and the stage set with 10 minutes to play. In an exciting finish both teams had opportunities to score. The game appeared to be going for a draw, but through a series of Rangers attacks and resultant corners, the breakthrough came, after a close range shot on goal by Van Dalen was pushed onto the cross bar by Warriors Keeper Luburic. Sadly it wasn’t enough as the ball rebounded from the cross bar and crossed the line for a late winner for the Rangers.
The Warriors girls fought bravely the entire game. On the balance of possession, didn’t deserve to lose, but that’s football.
Well done girls, you did the club proud! #WarriorPride
