Illawarra Stingrays crowned WNSPL Champions

For the third year running the Illawarra Stingrays were named Champions of the Women's NSW Premier League after a convincing 2-0 win over the North West Sydney Koalas at Jensen Park.

When you have to park the car two blocks away from the stadium you know you're in for a cracker of a match and this season's Grand Final did not disappoint for the supporters who made the ground come to life.

Just shy of one thousand fans created a sea of pink and yellow around the stadium in an atmosphere rivaling that of any men's NSW Premier League fixtures; there were more vuvuzelas being played than at the FIFA World Cup, girls walking around in koala costumes and grandparents who had knitted personalised scarves with the name of their team put into the design. To me this is what proper football is all about - enjoying the moment.

Heading into this fixture, Illawarra were the in-form side producing some fantastic football throughout the entire team. Despite the strong team focus however the key figure in this match was always going to be club captain Michelle Carney. Sitting just behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation Carney was always going to cause problems with her accurate passes and quick transition between defence and attack.

From the yellow side of the equation, Koala supporters rested their hopes with number 14, Jo Burgess, praying the left winger was going to be the difference for them with her years of experience with the Matildas and Brisbane Roar in the W-League. North West are known for their brilliant build up play and their stability in a 4-1-4-1 shape and today was no different.

It was evident in the first twenty minutes that the Koalas were the better of the two sides with more possession and chances. But the Stingrays were always the dark horses of the competition by being much more consistent in front of goal.

As the clock hit 30 minutes the Stingrays had their best opportunity in the first half with Kim Bonilla played into space. Unfortunately for Illawarra however the star striker couldn't keep her cool, mis-kicking straight into the hands of Koala 'keeper Lizzie Durack.



The halftime break gave the spectators an opportunity to grab blankets and extra jackets from their cars as the temperature continued to drop.

The second stanza started exactly where the first one left off with the Koalas dictating play yet with the Stingrays looking most likely to score. It didn't take long for it to happen.

In the 51st minute the 'Rays had a great string of passes before Erica Halloway set up Kim Bonilla for the opening goal.

Come the 56th minute and it was 2-0 after the Koalas tried to play the offside trap following a lovely ball into space by Captain Fantastic, Michelle Carney. Unfortunately for the North West defenders no one tracked the run of Jessica Cooper allowing her to run straight through and calmly slot the ball into the back of the net. The supporters who made the trip up from Wollongong instantly knew the drive was well worth it.

North West attempted to stage a comeback with the remaining half hour on the clock however the Stingray's defence proved too strong, restricting the Koalas to desperation long range shots only.

There was one final opportunity for the Stingrays to further their advance on the scoreboard as they were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute. Kim Bonilla stepped up to take the kick and fired her penalty straight at the 'keeper for an easy save. However thanks to certain players breaching the 18 yard box the spot kick was taken again and again saved, this time in spectacular fashion.

Photos courtesy of Ann Odong

Even though this was the Stingrays third championship in as many years the atmosphere among the supporters and players was not as cheerful as it could have been. With coach Brett Wallin announcing he was leaving the club at the end of the season as well as the girls having in the back of their mind the memory of the gifted and 'cheeky' football Ashleigh Connor (who passed away in July this year), celebrations were muted.

The player of the match was Jessica Cooper from the Illawarra Stingrays and there is no doubt the side will be pushing for a fourth title next season.