NPL NSW Women’s Grand Final: Sydney University v Northern Tigers

It comes down to two on Sunday afternoon at Valentine Sports Park (5:45pm) as Sydney University and the Northern Tigers do battle in the NPL NSW Women’s final.

What a season for both teams, making it all the way to the big dance after months of preparation, hard work and battle.

Sydney University 

The premiers will come into this one as favourites with Alex Eapkis having no problem with his team having that tag.

Uni deservedly took out first place being the most consistent team in the competition throughout the whole season.

They’ve beaten the Tigers twice already this campaign, drawing the other so the Students will be confident they can get the job done.

Last year’s heartbreaking extra time loss to the Rams will be in the back of their minds heading into Sunday but they’ll look to set the record straight and complete the double.

Who to watch 

Cortnee Vine is definitely one of the most talented strikers in the country, possessing everything a ‘number nine’ needs to be the best at their role.

Rachel Soutar is another. The dead ball specialist will be dangerous with anything around the box, or even a little further, something the Tigers know all too well.

And of course that centre half pairing of Tori Tumeth and Taren King. They’ve been the rock in front of Coutney Newbon this campaign and will undoubtedly be up for one final fight this season.

Northern Tigers 

If Uni has had a fine season, then what Jason Eagar and his Tigers have done in 2019 is near remarkable.

They finished in ninth place last season, more than 20 points away from finals football, to be within a couple rounds of taking out the premiership this campaign.

The turnaround has been great to watch unfold and the underdogs go into Sunday’s game with absolutely nothing to lose against Uni.

With the second best defence in the competition (second to Uni), they’ll know that they must focus for the full 90 minutes plus to have any chance of lifting silverware.

Who to watch 

We’ll start from the back and the trio of Eliza Campbell, Servet Uzunlar and Ellie Brush. Thy are the heart and soul of this Tigers team and their leadership will be key on Sunday.

Malia Steinmetz has been one of the players of the season and an unsung hero for the team from North Turramurra. Her hard work and engines in midfield are important to how the Tigers machine rolls on.

Not many can look beyond the most potent striker in the league, Daisy Arrowsmith. Playing her first major grand final, the youngster will look to find the back of the net like she has already 19 times this season.

 

TALE OF THE TAPE –

Round 8 @North Turramurra Rec Area – Northern Tigers 0-0 Sydney University

Round 19 @Sydney Uni Football Ground – Sydney University 2-0 Northern Tigers

Semi Final @Arlington Oval – Sydney University 2-0 Northern Tigers

By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s Writer