Grand Final Edition
A long road trip was rewarded by medallions for many SEWFA players last weekend as they competed for the Western Border Soccer Association in the Junior State Country Championships. The Under 13 girls paralleled their efforts of last year, coming away with runners-up medals and the Under 16 girls returned to the winners’ circle claiming the championship without conceding a goal.
To add to the excitement several girls have been selected to play in the Zonal Championships in Adelaide during October for the Country teams. Emily Birch, Imogen Pratt and Melanie Wilmot will play in the Under 12s, Zoe Scott from Portland made selection for the Under 14s while eight players from the WBSA Under 16 girls side have also been invited to play in the Country side. Gabby Tentye, Leonie McCallum, Kale Pedlar, Jenna McCormick, Eleni Kourmouzis, Karlie Moy, Maddy Fry and Jami-Lee Kember will all make the trip to Adelaide to compete in the Zonals Championships against tough Adelaide competition. This huge coup for local football highlights the quality coaching received by players in the South East combined with the benefit of SEWFA players honing their skills in their own domestic league each week. Back on the local scene, SEWFA’s Grand Finals will take place this Saturday afternoon. To start proceedings, Wanderers will face Villa in the Under 14 fixture at noon. Often playing short has not deterred Villa from displaying quality football during the year, nor has it often affected the match results. However, Wanderers will call upon its reserves this weekend and fresh legs may make an impact on the game. Spectators can be guaranteed of a fast paced game with plenty of attacks on goal. Following this match, an exhibition match between Warrnambool Wolves and the “Best of the Rest” will take place at 1.30pm. The local side will comprise of players from teams not competing in finals matches that day and will test our players against the strong Warrnambool side. Several SEWFA teams have played pre-season matches against Warrnambool over the last few years and the Wolves have proved a tough side to beat.
The senior grand final will be preceded by a rendition of the National Anthem with the youngest players escorting seniors and officials onto the pitch ready for a 3pm kick off. Back to back premiers Palace will face off against a strong City side, who will be determined to win the silverware which has just been out of their reach in recent times. City dispatched Wanderers in the preliminary final in extra time and showed tremendous resilience to see the game out and claim victory. Possession will play an important factor in this match with each seeking to deny the other prolonged possession of the ball, limiting attacking passages of play. Only time will tell if the cool-headedness of Palace or the strength of City will claim the prize at the end of the season.
All spectators are welcome to enjoy this sporting spectacle free of charge at Blue Lake Sports Park – the home of the South East Women’s Football Association.
To view / download PDF of SEWFA results 22/08/09 , click HERE
To view / download PDF of SEWFA Results 8/08/09 , click HERE
To view / download PDF of SEWFA Results 1/08/09 , click HERE
To view / download PDF of SEWFA Results 25/07/09 , please click HERE
There was just one SEWFA match held at Blue Lake Sports Park last Saturday. With no senior matches scheduled and County juniors forfeiting their match against City, it was left to the Under 14s of Palace and Villa to take to the park.
Palace 3 defeated Villa 1In dismal conditions, Palace were determined to throw everything into this match and were rewarded for their efforts, managing to contain Villa’s forwards who have proved extremely accurate in front of goals this season. Palace took a 1 goal lead into the break and secured another well worked goal in the second half to take a 3-1 victory, making them the first team to take points away from the league leaders.Goal scorers: Palace 3 (A Pilven, S McCarthy, E McClintock) Villa 1 (M Ianella) This week sees the full complement of teams make their way back to the park. The senior matches commence with Palace v County at 1.30pm, with City meeting United and Wanderers taking on Villa at 3pm. Millicent will remain at home and host Portland.
In junior fixtures Palace play Wanderers and City meet Villa at 12 noon, with County having the bye.
To view / download PDF of SEWFA Results Round 9, please click HERE
Wanderers 16 d County 0
A brave County junior side took to the park last weekend, determined to concede less goals than the week prior and were successful in their quest. However experience and confidence on the ball were the great deciders in this match with Wanderers dominating on the pitch. Despite an 8 goal deficit at half time, the young County side showed great determination in their efforts to limit the rampant scoring. With 8 goalscorers, Wanderers were hard to contain and continued to slot another 8 home in the second half.
Goals: Wanderers (H Philp 4, M Sims 3, K Lehmann, J White, J Ferguson 2, P Ackland, C Romanis, E Thatcher)
Palace 2 d City 0
When these two sides meet, a close competition is guaranteed complete with strong attacking moves and desperate defence from both teams. Neither goalkeeper was really stretched during the first half with defenders doing the job on the pitch and limiting shots on goals at either end. Several times City ran down the wing and crossed the ball into danger and Palace were called upon to scramble the ball away but after the break it was Palace who took advantage of the ball inside the 18 yard area and scored twice, giving them their second win for the season.
Goals: Palace (I Pratt 2)
United 1 drew with Millicent 1
When these teams met in round 1, United came away with the points and several goals and were keen to emulate that game but Millicent had other ideas. With several new key signings since that first match, Millicent tested United several times but the defence held strong. After a cross from the right and the ensuing goal mouth scramble, United finished cleanly to edge them in front. Millicent rose to the occasion and scored to even the scoreline before the break. United could not capitalise despite several more opportunities in the second half and teams had to be content with a point each.
Goals: United (T Frost)
Millicent (W Robinson)
City 6 d Villa 0
City played classic football against the undermanned Villa last weekend, stringing together simple passes, which caught the opposition flatfooted. Having the extra players on the park City forced Villa to play a chasing game, which to their credit the youngsters did until the final whistle. With three goals scored in each half, City demonstrated restraint and were happy to pass the ball around until the best goal scoring opportunity could be found and then capitalised on.
Goals: City (T Grant 2, K Gilbert, J Smith, E Kourmouzis, T Kourmouzis)
Palace 3 d Wanderers 1
Despite a 5 goal win to Palace in the first round this year, Wanderers showed they have been the strong improvers, sneaking a goal early in the game to take the lead before Palace could settle into their game plan. Wanderers spent the remainder of the half defending their lead, resolutely breaking down Palace forays forward. The stylish play of Palace was no match for Wanderers who played destructive football, spoiling countless opportunities. The league leaders found themselves in unfamiliar territory down a goal at half time. However, confident in their ability, Palace resumed the match with gusto and equalised soon after the break. With two more goals added, Wanderers lost their early confidence and had to see their lead and game slip away.
Goals: Wanderers (K Seiler)
Palace (J McCormick, K Pedlar, TOG)
Portland 0 drew with County 0
With the top 3 spots fairly set on the ladder, the rest is a lottery with each team confident in their ability to claim the vital 4th position. Currently held by Portland, a win to County could have seen them edge closer to the leaders. In a fast paced match at Portland, County threw everything they had at the goal but the home team held strong and maintained their home ground advantage. Portland youngsters made several quick breaks, looking to sneak one past the goalkeeper but to no avail. In a scoreless match, all ladder positions remain as they were at the beginning of the day.
A game of 4 v 4 was played by the Junior Development Squad, with all girls showing greater confidence on the ball throughout the game. Each player has demonstrated improvement during the match, including several well executed throw-ins from beginning players and good technical ability in controlling the ball at speed.
In round 9 matches this week, County meet City at 1.30pm whilst Wanderers play Millicent and Villa play United at 3pm at Blue Lake Sports Park. Portland play host to Palace. In Under 14 matches, a top of the table clash sees Villa meet Wanderers and Palace play County.
City's Emily Birch shields the ball from Monique Ianella
Wanderers 2 d Portland 0
Wanderers met Portland at Apollo’s ground of Webb Street last weekend, determined not to let the loss of key players from injury upset their momentum. The depth of their squad was evident with juniors capably stepping into the side. Portland have been a revelation this year, under the guidance of Luke Gerritsen and have a strong defence complemented by a young, fast forward line. With neither side able to capitalise on many opportunities in the first half, it looked to be an exciting finish. Wanderers were able to seal the match with two well crafted goals in the second half, which sees them tighten their hold on 3rd spot on the ladder.
Goals: Wanderers (K Seiler, N Kember)
Palace 4 d United 0
Despite the absence of several quality players last weekend, Palace took to the park full of confidence against a full strength United. Palace juniors helped fill the void with great effect. In an evenly balanced first half, Palace edged in front courtesy of an own goal. United defence were able to absorb the continual pressure and distribute the ball well into attack for themselves but did not trouble the Palace keeper. Whatever Palace coach Inglis said to his team at half time obviously had an impact as they emerged from the changing rooms full of aggression for the ball and primed to attack. Scoring three quick goals soon after the break deflated United, who regrouped and formed attacks of their own but were contained by Palace defence.
Goals: Palace (K Pedlar, T Andrews, J McCormick, TOG)
Villa 1 d County 0
County would have been feeling confident last Saturday when taking to the pitch on their “home” pitch of Casadio Park against Villa. Villa showed self-assurance too, with their Under 14 team comprehensively winning against County’s juniors earlier in the day, with several of these players also taking to the pitch in the senior side. Despite many forays forward, it was to be one of those games when County could just not score. With several opportunities saved and others deflecting off the goals, frustration began to set in with County forwards. Against the run of play, a singular attack on the County goals saw Villa edge in front and that’s the way the score remained under the final whistle, much to the delight of the Villa faithful.
Goals: Villa (J Wood)
City 0 drew with Millicent 0
When these sides met last year, both games resulted in double figure wins for City. Despite recent form, Millicent took to their home park determined to prevent a repeat performance. Once settled, it did not take City long to open the scoring with skilful, strong ball play taking a 4 goal lead to the break. Millicent refused to capitulate and increased their intensity during the game. With underlying friction throughout much of the match, tensions were brought to the fore in the dying minutes of the match when several players were involved in a brief altercation. To halt the exchange, the referee called an early end to the game with no result recorded.
Juniors
Villa 20 d County 0
Top side Villa met County at Casadio Park and from the initial blow of the referee’s whistle, took command of the match scoring 9 goals in the first half. In a tough initiation for new County signings, the maroon surge forward was relentless, tiring defenders who seemed at a loss to contain the Villa forwards. After a few encouraging words from the coach, County’s keeper followed instructions and came off her line, pressuring the attack in the second half, saving several goals. Despite her efforts though, the score increased by a further 11 goals in the second half giving Villa possibly the largest score in SEWFA’s history.
Goals: Villa 20 (M Ianella 12, M Atwell 4, J Wood 3, J Donaldson)
Wanderers 6 d City 0
Confidence was the key in this match, with Wanderers stamping authority on this match from the start. With three goals scored in each half, Wanderers looked dangerous in their many ventures forward. City defence found themselves under pressure and with Wanderers creating havoc in the goalmouth, it was often just sheer determination to get the ball out of the danger zone that saved many more goals. With understanding developing between players of both teams, great improvements have emerged as time progresses, making for an interesting second half of the season.
Goals: Wanderers 6 (J Feguson 4, P Ackland, M Sims)
The Junior Development Squad met in the middle of Casadio Park in windy conditions between the two County/Villa matches to provide entertainment to parents and spectators alike. In a closely contested match, player skill development was the order of the day with some clever passages of play delighting all watchers.
All teams are looking forward to the return of matches to Blue Lake Sports Park, the home of SEWFA. Local WBSA clubs have been very supportive of SEWFA to allow pitch recovery over the past two weeks, with matches being played at Apollo, Blue Lake and Inter, with an offer from Sharks to also host matches if necessary. This generosity was very welcome and further highlights the excellent working relationship between the leagues to benefit local football.
As the second half of the season commences, return fixtures will be the order of the day when United host Millicent at 1.30pm, followed by City v Villa and Palace v Wanderers at 3pm. Portland remain at home and will meet County.
In the Junior matches Palace meet City and Wanderers take on County at 12 noon.
When City and Palace meet, a high quality and hard fought match is guaranteed to entertain spectators and this was what the two teams provided at Webb Street last Saturday. In a closely contested battle, neither team could find the net in the first half with defenders from both teams working overtime. Palace broke the deadlock after the break, with a through ball cutting the City backline and finding a running Palace attacker who made no mistake. In an evenly balanced game, which in reality could have gone either way, Palace made the most of opportunities scoring twice more whilst City could not find that edge past the goalkeeper.
Final score: Palace 3 (J Hill 2, J McCormick) d City 0 Following on from this clash, County were keen to meet Wanderers. Even with key players missing from their side, County were confident of giving Wanderers a tough game. And so they did - with just one goal separating the two at the break, Wanderers had to work extra hard to maintain their dominance of the game. County are known for their tenacity and never-say-die attitude and ran out the remainder of the game, forcing errors but unable to contain the youthful side, who scored twice more to hold tight to their 3rd position on the ladder. Final score: Wanderers 3 (J White, L McCallum, K Moy) d County 0
Just down the road at Malseed Park, Villa met Millicent with great excitement. With both teams struggling for a win this year, each saw this as a golden opportunity to move up the ladder. Despite many chances from both sides, with determined attacking moves and forceful defence, neither could edge in front to claim victory in this evenly matched game. Both had to be content to claim 1 point from a scoreless draw to put points on the board. Final score: Villa 0 drew with Millicent 0 In surprisingly fine weather at Portland, United took on the much improved home team. With only goal difference separating the two teams, it was always on the cards to be a tough match. United started the ball rolling and attacked the Portland goal in the initial play but were then forced to defend their own goal for much of the remaining half. A quick play from Portland youngsters caught United flatfooted and saw Portland take a 1-0 lead into the break. Portland had to soak up a United onslaught in the second half with United taking advantage of the breeze but failing to capitalise in front of goal. A late goal for Portland saw them seal the match and gave them another opportunity to sing their victory song. Final score: Portland 2 (K Kilgour, Z Scott) d United 0
In the Under 14 matches, Villa met City at Malseed Park earlier in the day, with Villa taking the match by storm with multiple goalscorers. City were forced to defend from the outset and despite some excellent defensive work, found the ball returned countless times having been won in the midfield by Villa, who wasted no time in continuing the attack. Final score: Villa 9 (M Ianella 5, K Reade 2, M Atwell, R Bennett) d City 0
At Webb Street, Wanderers met Palace in the Under 14s, determined to make up for the surprise draw in the opening match of the season. Wanderers stepped up a level and were able to pass the ball well and with some skilful passages of play, managed to score twice past Palace. Despite Palace pressure in return, Wanderers were able to deny any goals for their opposition and claimed all three points in this match. Final score: Wanderers 2 (K Lehmann 2) d Palace 0
With matches still scheduled away this week to aid pitch recovery at Blue Lake Sports Park, Apollo and International will be hosting SEWFA matches as follows:
At Casadio Park - home of International:12 noon Under 14s Villa v County 1pm JDS 3pm Seniors County v Villa
At Webb Street – home of Apollo:12 noon Under 14s City v Wanderers 1.30pm Seniors Wanderers v Portland 3pm Seniors United v Palace
Millicent retain their home game and will play host to City in the remaining senior fixture of the day. To assist with additional costs due to relocation of matches, SEWFA are requesting a gold coin donation at Casadio Park and Webb Street for players and spectators. There will also be a happy hour hosted at Apollo following Saturday’s matches, to celebrate the half way point of the SEWFA season, with all players, spectators, families and friends invited to attend this informal evening, with food sales also assisting the Women’s League. SEWFA would like to thank all WBSA clubs who have offered assistance during this time away from Blue Lake Sports Park and hope to resume matches their next week.
City's Jen Smith narrowly misses edging the ball over the crossbar
Kim Gilbert looks to pass under pressure from Jenna McCormick
Cold, wet and windy conditions welcomed visitors to Blue Lake Sports Park last weekend for the State Junior Championships. Teams from around the State contested age group titles, with matches played in a setting which tested even the most skilful of players.
Many of SEWFA’s junior players took to the fields in WBSA Under 13 and Under 16 squads, with the Under 13 girls claiming silver medals. Whilst the Under 13s have been successful in the Country championships recently, State medals have been elusive for several years. Heartened by this victory, junior players will be full of confidence when playing for their respective SEWFA teams in the future.
For the first time in many seasons, the Under 16 girls missed out on a medal, with injury plaguing the team. Coach Warren McCallum will now have his sights set firmly on the Country Championships to be held in Port Lincoln in September.
Excessive games combined with extremely wet weather, has forced a change of venue for this SEWFA week’s fixtures, as both pitches have been deemed too damaged for matches to be played at a safe standard. It is hoped that with repair work to be carried out shortly and a week’s rest, games will resume at Blue Lake Sports Park the following week.
This week’s fixtures will see Villa and City Under 14s meet at noon at Malseed Park (the home of Blue Lake Soccer Club), with the Junior Development Squad match to be played at 1.30pm, followed by Villa and Millicent senior teams at 3pm.
The remainder of the home fixtures will see Wanderers and Palace Under 14s play at Apollo’s home ground of Webb Street at noon, followed by Palace v City at 1.30pm and Wanderers v County at 3pm.
Portland will retain their home fixture and will play host to United.
WBSA U13 Girls Squad
Monique Ianella controls play against North West
Olivia Pratt makes a great save for WBSA U13 Girls
Jacinta Russell shows great balance against Riverland
JDSplayerCharli 
Hockey uses her left foot tomove
the ball away from her opposition
Wanderers Keisha Seilor is strong in the air, watched by
teammate Kendall Saffin and United's Jess Martin-Brown
With Portland winning their last 2 games, they took to the park with great determination not to be swamped by the attacking City. City’s repeated attacks on goal were matched by Portland’s well marshalled defensive line, with Tracey Jensen tirelessly working to repel each surge forward. Portland pressured the City defence but keeper Lauren Lowe was strong in assisting the back four to keep a clean sheet. Just a single goal separated them at the break, which surely boosted Portland’s confidence. However, after the break City came out firing scoring another three including one well constructed goal produced by the hard work of Lauren Ramsay on the left of the park. Liz Santucci worked well for Portland but was not to be rewarded for her efforts on the day, leaving Portland players with a long drive home.
Final score: City 4 (K Gilbert 2, J Smith 1, K Maczkowiack) defeated Portland 0
When Wanderers met United at 3pm, it was a young side determined to reclaim their spot back in the top 4. Initially under the pump in the opening stanza, Wanderers settled into their game plan putting United defence under pressure time and time again. The Kember sisters Nikita and Jami-Lee controlled their positions, sending the ball back into attack whenever United had the chance to push forward. The tenacity of Nat Morony forced Wanderer’s turnovers and with Jess Martin-Brown reading and distributing the ball well, United pushed forward but had difficulty cracking the solid defence. By the final whistle, Wanderer’s controlled passing and playmaking, saw them take the 3 points and third position on the ladder. Final score: Wanderers 4 (K Seiler 2, K Saffin , J D’Onghia) defeated United 0
At the same time, it would have been with trepidation that Villa walked onto the park to meet Palace. With Palace forwards in full flight, the ten players of Villa struggled to keep the marking tight and Palace found the net 4 times in the first half. With illness and injuries taking its toll on Palace, juniors were called upon to fill the void and to great success with regular Under 14 goalkeeper Oliva Pratt taking to the pitch and scoring two. Palace continued their midfield domination, shooting from long range and with Kale Pedlar on song, scoring 4 of her own. Despite the growing score, Villa goalkeeper Elizabeth King kept focus and used sharp reflexes to deny many goals. Villa were quick to capitalise when Palace won the ball in defence and pushed forward too quickly, leaving 4 Villa players with 1 Palace defender. A turnover was forced and youngster Kelsey Reade was quick to slot one past the keeper, being the first conceded by Palace this season. Final score: Palace 11 (K Pedlar 4, T Andrews 3, O Pratt 2, D Pratt, C Addicott) d Villa 1 (K Reade)
With neither Millicent nor County taking 3 points from a match this season, they both hit the park at Plunkett Terrace desperately seeking to rectify this. Despite breaks from both teams, excellent goalkeeping was the order of the day with both keepers working hard to keep their team in the game. A first half corner from Chantelle Dow found Tania Widdison inside the box, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net, taking County to a 1-0 lead at the break. With Jamey Grgetic always finding a way to break through defence lines and Dianna Giuranstante’s strong ball work , County worked fiercely to keep their lead in the second half. Two goals for County in the dying minutes of the game, gave them a 3-0 hard fought victory however, players and coaching staff from both sides would testify that this scoreline is not a true indication of the tightness of the match.
In the Under 14 matches held at Blue Lake Sports Park the undefeated Villa met Palace at 12noon. With both sides working to play skilful football, all players stepped up, with each generating scoring opportunities during the first half. Shanae McCarthy played defensively for Palace but was also given the freedom to drive forward, with team mates covering effectively, to create attacking moves. With one Villa goal scored before the break, Palace were confident of equalising the score, with Jess Mott holding her position well and denying shots on goal. Villa, however, were not content with a 1-0 victory and with Isabelle Slattery and Angela Bennett working hard for their team, two goals late in the second half sealed the game for Villa, ensuring their position on the top of the table.
City met County in the Under 14s and were soon off the mark, scoring 8 before the break including doubles from 3 players including captain Emily Birch with her first for the season. Buoyed by the frenzy of goal attack, all players lifted including strong improver Eirene Couzens who gains confidence each week in her developing game. In a generous gesture, City took to the park in the second half with only 8 players to match the County numbers. The reduced number of players on the pitch made for hard work but all were equal to the task and continued stylish football. April Hockey for County challenged well and looked for her team mates to distribute the ball effectively. Defender Georgie Peate won the ball and attacked the space in front of her, slotting the ball past the keeper to score for County. Final score: City 8 (E Birch 2, M Walters 2, J Verhoeven 2, K Kourmouzis, S Lock) defeated County 2 (I Donehue, G Peate)
JDS girls took to the pitch in a 5 aside match played in good spirit. Cody Hood is proving to be a find to the game, improving each week. The Blue Tacs welcomed back Lauren Frost who positioned herself well, often turning defence into attack. There will be no matches this week due to the State Junior Championships being held at the Blue Lake Sports Park. With SEWFA juniors included in the WBSA squads, there should be plenty of action and all spectators are welcome to attend this spectacular event, showcasing the best of junior talent in South Australia.
