Waiuku Women's Premiers Still Undefeated

In a top-of-the-table clash in their third league match of the season, the Waiuku Women's 1sts snatched a late 1-1 draw against Western Springs.

Earlier in the week, the Blues were faced with a significant dilemma when goalkeeper Vickilee Watson sustained a back injury and the team was unable to find a replacement. Saviour Sally Berridge from the backline stepped in and had a stellar performance that earned her Player of the Day, in a position she had not played since her years in junior football.

Twenty minutes into the game, against the run of play, Springs's star striker put away a sensational shot off a corner kick, spurring Waiuku into what would become a desperate struggle throughout the remainder of the match, to try and equalise. Amanda Smith and Josie Plant were at the helm of the team's defence, cleaning up almost every attack the opposition threatened to make. Meanwhile the Waiuku wingers and strike force produced a great number of promising crosses and shots that were thwarted only by the highly experienced Springs keeper. The Blues were still 1-0 down when half time rolled around, although it was clear they had dominated.

In the second half, Waiuku's intensity waned somewhat, presenting itself in fits and starts. One patchy section of play resulted in Springs getting away a dangerous shot that would have been a certain goal if Sally-the-keeper had not successfully jumped to an unlikey height to tip the ball over the cross-bar. Coach Cody Ralph made alterations to the team's formation, changing to a three-player backline in an attempt to freshen Waiuku's attack.

With ten minutes to go, the team suffered an untimely blow when captain Sandie Ralph was taken off for a brief period with a hamstring injury. Fortunately this loss sparked a renewed sense of urgency and determination in the Blues. With only four minutes left on the clock, right winger Rachel Glover, put in a brilliant cross that was collected by Gemma Gouwland and cleanly struck into the bottom right corner to even the scoreline. A couple of tense moments followed, at both ends, and striker Jacqui David was unlucky not to claim a last-minute win for Waiuku, but at full time the team was satisfied with a 1-1 result.