Canberra United got back on track in the Westfield W-League with a stirring 2-0 victory against Sydney FC at McKellar Park on Sunday afternoon, 2 December.
A goal in the first half to birthday girl Rhoda Mulaudzi and Karly Roestbakken’s second-half rocket proved enough for United to hold off a fast-charging Sydney through 14 minutes of stoppage time.
The momentum swung throughout the first half, with opportunities presenting for both sides, but it was United who went into the break ahead, scoring in stoppage time.
A United corner came to ground and Mulaudzi took control of it moving away from goal, before she lofted a delightful chip over Bledsoe on the turn and into the net.
The assistant referee had flagged the goal down though, but after a moment of discussion with Patterson, the goal was allowed to stand and the hosts took their goal advantage into half-time.
Sydney came out of the break looking strong and had chances early with a number of crosses going into the area, but couldn’t break down the home defence.
But it wasn’t long before United put another one on the board, with Roestbakken thumping home a blistering goal.
The important victory sees Canberra jump right back into the mix on the Westfield W-League table, with the side now turning their attentions to a meeting with Western Sydney on Friday 7 December at Spotless Stadium, Sydney.
During last Sunday’s match, United defender Natasha Prior collided heavily with an opponent and was transported to hospital as a precaution.
Prior was diagnosed with a concussion, while scans cleared her of any further damage. Canberra United currently does not have a definite timeline for her return.
At a glance
Cavs draw in NZ
The Cavalry have come away with a nail-biting 2-2 series split against the Auckland Tuatara at McLeod Park in New Zealand.
Despite the result, the Cavs have continued to gel as a team unit, building momentum as they head into the first home series of the season.
Leading 2-1 coming into the final game of the series, it proved disappointing for the Cavalry, who fell short of a prized away series win with a 9-1 defeat.
The Cavalry will now be gearing up for their first home series of the ABL 2018-19 season, when they take to the newly renovated Narrabundah ballpark, tonight, 6 December in a play-offs rematch against the Brisbane Bandits.
Tickets and memberships are still on sale now in five-game, 10-game, and full-season packages via gocavsgo.com.au
Blood shed as Caps drop double-header
Round 8 meant two steps backwards and some bloodshed for the UC Capitals who experienced two losses in a double-header weekend.
A four-point defeat to the Perth Lynx (84-88) was the more critical loss of Round 8 because it meant that the Caps missed an opportunity to steal the first-place spot on the ladder off the Lynx, who still reign as league leaders.
During the game, Kelsey Griffin took an elbow to the head from Asia Taylor which resulted in Griffin bleeding over her uniform and a trip to the hospital to get stitches. However, that didn’t stop her from putting up 14 points and 14 rebounds.
The match against Adelaide, an 83-91 loss, meant a fall to third on the ladder as the Boomers squeeze in front of the Caps.
Now the Caps will be focused on their first game against Bendigo Spirit, Kelsey Griffin’s former team.
Marianna Tolo will potentially be on court for the match pending approval from the doctors this week in what would be her first game back since tearing her ACL in February this year.
The UC Capitals will play the Bendigo Spirit on Sunday 9 December 2pm at the National Convention Centre; wnbl.com.au
Comets double down at T20 Cup
The ACT Comets competed in the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup on Sunday 2 December in a double-header against Parramatta and Bankstown at Manuka Oval and walked away with two victories; defeating Parramatta by 24 runs, and defeating Bankstown in a thrilling super over.
The Comets set Parramatta a tough task, finishing their 20 overs with 3/183 on the board, with Big Bash star Jono Dean piling on 91 runs off 54 balls. In reply, Parramatta were unable to get on top during their 20 overs, finishing on 6/159.
In their match against Bankstown, the Comets barely survived their 20 overs, finishing with a modest total of 9/126. Defending that score proved tough, however the Comets’ bowling attack were up to the task, forcing the game to a super over where Dean smashed a six to secure double victory for the ACT Comets.
The ACT Comets finished the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup placed seventh in the Sydney Thunder Conference after losing the first two games.
For more:
