Waiuku Women's Premiers Resume Winning Streak

The Blues started strong, capitalising on a 10-player opposition with three fairly early goals. The first two were both beautiful off-the-ground shots, taken by Gemma Gouwland and ring-in Rachel Glover. The third was a ball along the ground, slotted between the keeper's legs by Desiree Rickard, who was brought in as a substitute from the Women’s Reserves. When Ellerslie eventually received reinforcements, the strengthened side managed to put enough pressure on to steal a goal late in the half. Waiuku immediately answered this with another Gouwland Special, leaving a 4-1 score line at half time.

 

In the second half Waiuku were battling against the wind and, admittedly, a very slick and speedy attack force too. The Blues' predictable lapse in concentration that resulted from a month with no matches, resulted in two more conceded goals. Suddenly the Blues were in danger of foregoing their win altogether. Fortunately, with 15 minutes to go, Rickard managed to grab a second goal, off a superb corner kick by captain Sandie Ralph. At the final whistle the Waiuku women still had the victory.

 

Coach Cody Ralph did not select a Player of the Day, feeling that no single person stood out above the rest, but did make special mention of Desiree Rickard’s attack and Vickilee Watson’s efforts in goal.

 

Women’s Reserves’ coach Dale Oliver remarked that it was a shame Rickard had to save all her goal-scoring powers for the Women’s Premiers’ match. His squad had just played an away game against Clendon and followed the footsteps of the Men’s Premiers and Men’s Reserves, producing Waiuku’s third nil all draw of the weekend.