Sydney University women’s premier sides, who entered their final round guaranteed of respective spots in the top four, added momentum to their finals push with impressive victories over the weekend.
It was important the sides finished with victories, as the First Grade side were a chance to win the minor premiership and needed to win to guarantee a top two spot, while Second Grade had built significant momentum in the past four weeks which they wanted to maintain as they entered the finals.
First Grade were up against a desperate Western Districts side who would make the final four with a victory. It was clear that Western District were keen to be involved in the finals as they started the better side and opened the scoring to lead 1-0. Despite a few chances in the first half University were unable to square things up and the half time score remained 1-0.
University didn’t want to miss out on the chance to make the major semi-final and after discussing the key areas they needed to improve on the girls started to play like the better side in the second half as they scored early to square the score up at 1-1.
Western Districts received a very favourable decision which gave them the opportunity to retake the lead, and they didn’t waste their chance to go 2-1 up.
The decision seemed to motivate the girls as they hit back quickly to bring the score back to parity. From here on in it was all Sydney University as they dominated the final 15 minutes of the game to add three more goals to their total to complete a comfortable 5-2 victory.
As Esquires won their game, University were forced to settle with second spot after the regular rounds, but the Students will have their chance to progress straight to the grand final with a win this Sunday over the minor premiers.
The goal scorers in the 5–2 win were Nina Khoury (2), Matilhda Carmichael, Emma Scriven and Jemima Bartlett.
Next up were the Second Grade Sydney University side. Although they would finish third regardless of the result the side were playing Macarthur who were second on the table and a likely opponent at some stage in the finals.
This was a close battle and neither side were able to create clear cut chances. University were first to score after a great individual effort from Greta Hayes. After getting out to a one goal lead, University played with more confidence and looked the better side. Macarthur had two good opportunities late in the game but were unable to convert, allowing University to hold on 1-0.
Both of the premier sides will feature in finals hockey this Sunday at Homebush. The First Grade women are to be commended on their highest ever finish in the Metro League, and there is no doubt they are the form team in the competition.
This week they will be without Australian Development squad member and Sydney University Elite Athlete Program scholarship holder Nina Khoury, who will be attending a national camp. Even without Khoury the side are expected to be tough to beat on Sunday against Esquires in the major semi-final.
First Grade is scheduled for 4.30pm Sunday at the Olympic pitch at Homebush, while Second Grade will take on UTS, also this Sunday at Homebush at 2.30pm. This is a must win minor semi final.
