PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 Round 9 Preview

Round 9 of the PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 competition promises to be a blockbuster with massive games coming from all angles.

Just as we start to think we have an idea of what the table will look like, a new team emerges and surprises, causing a change. One thing is for certain though, the Macarthur Rams are sitting in first place at the moment and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
MATCH OF THE ROUND
Sydney University v Macarthur Rams @Wilson Park
A match that see’s one v two face off at the beautiful Wilson Park on Sunday afternoon as the Macarthur Rams look to hold onto top spot against Sydney University.
At the start of the year, most pundits would’ve said these two teams would be amongst the favourites and after playing catch up early, Uni has climbed the ladder week after week.
Heather Garriock’s team has started hitting their straps and haven’t looked back since losing against the Mariners all the way back in round one. The coach has also didn’t to put the boots back on and could be integral to this young team.
An available Amy Harrison could prove the difference against her old club even though the home side does have other weapons in Olivia Price and Stephanie Ambrose to name a few.
Looking at the Rams and this season statistics already and it is understandable why they are leading the pack. Yet to taste defeat this season, Norm Boardman’s girls are in fine form, having the best attack and defence in the league.
Captain Renee Rollason is one of the best players in the league and has the ability to turn a game with her individual brilliance at any given time. With Kylie Ledbrook and the on fire Kate Hensman playing ahead of her, the Rams look a formidable outfit.
This game promises a lot and could throw the Premiership race wide open with a victory to the home side.
Emerging Jets v Football NSW Institute @Lake Macquarie Regional Football Centre
It is a battle of the youngsters at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Centre as the Emerging jets take on the Football NSW Institute.
The Emerging Jets sit mid table after eight rounds and are slowly getting to grips with the states top tier competition. A solid run of result lately have seen them over take their weekend counterparts on the ladder.

The Institute have hit a sour run and haven’t been able to score three points since round three, registering five straight losses with a barrage of points conceded along the way. They’ll look for their fortunes to change immediately.
Blacktown Spartans v Manly United @Blacktown Football Park
Another intriguing weekend match up will see the Blacktown Spartans and Manly United do battle at Blacktown Football Park.
The Spartans seem to be getting stronger and stronger every week, chalking up four straight victories. Captain Alix Roberts is leading by example as her side continues their push for finals football.
United have only lost one match this season and sit in third place on the ladder with a match in hand. The experienced Kristie Crawford and Louise Neville have combined well in the final third and they could be the difference here.
Central Coast v Illawarra Stingrays @Pluim Park
It’s the battle of the bottom two at Pluim Park on Sunday as Central Coast welcome the Illawarra Stingrays.
The newly promoted side have found the going tough so far and losing a habit, seeing them prop up in last place on the table. Nevertheless, the team has had its opportunities to score and if they can start capitalising on some of the chances they create, results will go in their favour.
Grahame Shaw would’ve taken a breath of relief at 5pm last Sunday as his side finally closed a game out. With their first win of the season out of the way, it’s time for the South Coast side to start their chase before it is too late.
North Shore Mariners v North West Sydney Koalas @Northbridge Oval
A North Sydney derby takes place on Sunday at Northbridge Oval as the North Shore Mariners take on the North West Sydney Koalas.
The Mariners have had an astonishing start to the 2015 season but were brought back down to earth with a 5-0 thumping against the Rams last week. They currently sit in fourth place and if they wish to continue fighting for the Premiership, a win is imperative here.
The Koalas scored only their second win of the season on Sunday, their first since round one. With captain Hannah Beard and star winger Helen Petinos in the squad, the Koalas won’t want to look back now.
– by Nikola Pozder, PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s 1 Reporter