NSW Women's Premier League: Round Three

After the 41 goal fest that signalled the start of the NSW Women's Premier League two weeks ago, the competition was stalled by poor weather. This weekend saw the women's game return to action with a promise for many more goals to come.

Reigning Premiers Illawarra Stingrays defeated Inter Lions at Concord Oval in a replay of the 2010 Grand Final.

Thanks to a 3-0 victory in Round One over Western NSW Panthers in Bathurst the Stingrays proved that their premiership was not a once off honour. With the debut of American import Kim Bonilla as well as the recent boost of signing former Central Coast and Canberra United forward Michelle Heyman the Stingrays look like they will soon become an unstoppable force.

Inter Lions stumbled at the start of the season being held to a 2-2 draw with Macarthur Rams at Lynwood Park. Pre-game it seemed everyone's mind was still caught up wondering whether or not they'll get to see the return of Sydney FC fan favourite Catherine Canulli to the Inter team sheet.

The match ended in favour of the premiers, Illawarra ending the match 4-1 winners.

Lynwood Park saw Macarthur Rams go up against the normally strong Sutherland Shire.

Heading into this match Ram's supporters were hoping to see more of the magic which youngster Madison Strutt showed in Round One against Inter Lions. With former Central Coast player Stephanie Haim leading the attack for the Ram's, Sutherland's back line was always going to find the match tough.

After last week's 8-0 hammering by Sydney University, Sutherland went into this fixture wanting to start afresh. Sutherland coach Michael Michael spent the off season building almost a completely new squad, looking for what he describes as a "more committed effort".

This game ended in a 2-2 draw, a worthy result for both sides.

Central Coast FC made the long trip down to Bathurst on Sunday to take on Western NSW Panthers.

The Panthers did everything they could in the first half of their match against the 2010 Premiers, Illawarra Stingrays, but three lapses of concentration in the second half meant the Panthers saw defeat in Round One in front of their home support. Recently, Panther's home ground has been labelled as a fortress however the way their defence is working the side is anything but solid.

Central Coast were welcomed to the NSW Women's Premier League with an 11-1 defeat thanks to a strong performance by Marconi Stallions. Failing to do anything productive with the ball in the final third of Round One was the kick start the side needed when facing the Panthers.

Central Coast heading home the happier side, defeating the Panthers 3-0.

The in form Sydney University side took on Southern Branch FC at Hensley Athletic Field in an encounter which promised goals.

Tipped as favourites for the title at the end of this season Sydney University made Sutherland Shire looks like a side in a different league with an 8-0 victory. 2010 Platinum Medal Winner and inspirational midfielder Olivia Kennedy once again looked strong and controlled the play.

After a disappointing 2010 season and a 9-0 defeat in Round One by Manly United things have not started well for the South Nowra side. On the hunt for something to kick start their season, a match against Sydney University is not what the club would have been hoping for.

Sydney University secured Southern Branches' place at the foot of the table with a 12-0 win.

Two high scoring sides came face to face at Marconi Stadium as Marconi took on NWS Koalas.

Although the Grand Final rematch might have been the unmissable event these two sides have a perfect balance between youthful enthusiasm and experience. The 11-1 victory over Central Coast made Marconi's girls complacent heading into this game.

The NWS Koalas took on the Blacktown Spartans in the opening round, finishing as 5-0 winners. With Jessica Seaman being the pivotal part of the Koalas' efforts against the Spartans it seems she'll become an important figure in her club's plans.

After an entertaining match the Koalas were able to get the important three points with a 3-2 win.

The final match of the round saw Cromer Park come alive as Manly United took on Blacktown Spartans FC.

Another side who have been tipped for a finals berth and possibly even win the competition, Manly United pulled away at the front of the competition with a 9-0 win against Southern Branch. With a new coach, Grant Lee, Manly were confident of getting the three points but were careful not to make costly mistakes at the back.

Although losing 5-0 to the Koalas the Blacktown side worked tirelessly and looked like a tough team to beat. They performed well in 2010 so it seemed their opening results are just a speed bump as the Spartans prepare for the new season.

Manly ended the match 4-0 victors securing a place in the top half of the table.

After the 41 goals scored in Round One the NSW Women's Premier League saw another 33 goals in Round Three. If there is anything to learn from this it's that the best defence is to continue scoring.

NSW Women's Premier League Round Three table