Match report

Match report

After weeklong rain the teams were blessed with a fine day. The Summit’s synthetic pitch encouraged a fast pace from the start, and an early through ball from Stirling putting Ruby Tully into the clear to score at the 6-minute mark. Stung by the early goal Mount Barker lifted to put Stirling under sustained pressure. It didn’t take long before the withering effort paid off with Caleana Fenwick slotting Mt Barker’s first at 12 minutes. The game continued at pace with the midfields locked a tight battle as it ebbed and flowed, but mostly in Stirling’s half. Despite several breakaway attacks from Stirling, Mt Barker’s defence was up to task, and then returned the ball to their midfield to once again apply pressure. Reward followed with another goal to Mt Barker’s Maeve McAvaney 5 minutes before half time. Stirling bolstered defence and saw out the remaining time with the score unchanged.

The second half saw Stirling now running with the slight breeze. Five minutes in, showing great acceleration Zora Huang broke clear, sprinted forward with the ball, and then finished in fine style to level the scores. Re-energised, Stirling then managed to flip the tables and lock Mt Barker into their half for most of the half. Despite many good pushes forward Mt Barker’s defence repelled and repelled leaving Stirling empty handed. In return Mt Barker made several good attacks but a re-organised Stirling defence never let these into the 18-yard box and soon returned the ball for more pressure. With only 5 minutes remaining Jess Verryt grasped a moment of clear air to slot Stirling’s 3rd , and the game’s final goal. At the final whistle Stirling certainly deserved the win but Mt Barker were unlucky not hold it to a draw in a tooth and nail battle between the two sides.