AAW2 vs UNSW
2 August
The AAW2s secured a landmark league title on Sunday at the Reg with a tense but ultimately successful victory versus UNSW. It was quite a tough team talk at halftime as we should have gone in several goals up at the interval as UNSW seemed to be happy to lay down and let us attack at will. Molly Roche put us ahead following a looping cross to the back post from Helen Brand on 9 minutes but we couldn’t convert any of our other first half chances. Typically the the first foray into our half resulted in a goal just after the interval and our opponents decided to pack their defence to frustrate our attacking options.
Fortunately on 65 minutes a rasping shot from Monique Vanderhorst wasn’t dealt with by the UNSW goalie and Smithy was on hand to turn in the rebound. However to atone for her error their keeper pulled off the best save I have seen for a long time to deny Smithy from ten yards out (seriously – this save was simply unbelievable) which prevented us from getting that all important two goal cushion. All was however comfortable despite Maiken’s best efforts to block one of Paula’s (who was impeccable again) clearances into our goal.
To win this division is a wonderful achievement and to remain unbeaten is a great credit to the work and dedication of the players. Super stuff.
Final score: AAW2 2-1 UNSW
Goals: Molly & Catie
Assists: Helen & Mon
MoM: Catie Smith