The Women’s Premier League kicked off their season with the Julie Porter Cup on Sunday and Round 1 produced some interesting results.
Shellharbour City made light work out of Bulli FC in their group game running out 9-1 winners.
Kristy Roher got the visitors off to a flying start as she finished well inside the opening 90 seconds. Despite hanging tough, Bulli were opened up with Mia Riza, Maddi Costanzo, Samara Wehmeyer and Dajana Popovic all netting in the first half as Shellharbour City raced to a 5-0 lead.
There wasn’t much let up after the break as Wehmeyer grabbed her second not long after the restart. Emma Stretton and Tamara Koneski also chimed in with goals before Bulli’s Kanako Murata scored a cracker from outside the box that proved a consolation. Mikayla De Jong rounded out the scoring late in the game as Shellharbour City flexed their muscles to make a statement start.
University FC and Coniston FC played out an entertaining game that could have gone either way. Coniston holding on for a 2-1 win.
Cono got off to a fast start with early goals to Simona Spaseska and Karissa High as they dominated possession in the early stages.
University showed some fight to wrestle back some of the momentum; however, Coniston’s defence held firm until a late goal to Isabella Coppola sent some jitters through the team, who held firm to record a good first up result.
Kiama Quarriers were invited into the Juli Porter Cup as winners of WD1 last year. They produced the upset of the round with a gritty 1-0 win over heavy weights Woonona.
Both sides were eager to get at each other early however, neither side was able to penetrate the goal. Both sides creating some chances with Woonona going close on several attempts.
Natalie Ruffley shocked the Sharks with a fine finish to put the Quarriers ahead on 77 minutes. Try as they might, Woonona lost their opening game of the Cup competition for the second consecutive season.
It will be interesting to see how this group pans out after this result.
In the final game, Thirroul were not ready to field a side at this stage, subsequently forfeiting to Shoalhaven who were gifted an early three points.
Upcoming games – Sunday 1 March
Shellharbour City v Coniston FC
University FC v Bulli FC
Woonona Sharks v Thirroul Thunderbirds
Shoalhaven FC v Kiama Quarriers
