Peters keen on consecutive titles
Coach Stephen Peters will lead his Macarthur Rams in their second consecutive National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s grand final this Sunday at Valentine Sports Park.
They will be looking to go back-to-back after last year’s dramatic penalty shoot out win over the Northern Tigers.
This time it’s a different opponent as Peters goes up against the experienced Jaime Gomez and his tough to break Bulls FC Academy.
“It feels great to be in another final, we are super excited and looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said the talented coach.
“Yes, we can go back-to-back, it’s a final and anyone can win on their day.”
The Rams made considerable changes in the playing ranks during the offseason but kept a core group of players from the Championship winning squad.
“We have eight starters from last year’s Grand Final in this squad, continuity has been key and building on that continuity with quality additions has been the key difference,” said Peters.
“We are a tight unit with some wonderful combinations of youth and experience, been an absolute pleasure to coach them this season.”
It wasn’t the greatest of beginnings to this campaign but the Rams turned it around, made a real push for the Premiership and equalled Alex Epakis’ record with Sydney University SFC of going 18 matches undefeated.
“The season has been a true case of highs and lows and very few in between’s, he said.
“We started slow but that was natural given the lag of our returning A-League Women’s players and the new young additions to the squad.
“We managed a wonderful run of unbeaten games, the highest amount goals and clean sheets in the league so we are absolutely wrapped with how the regular season went.
“A big shout-out to APIA Leichhardt for the season they had, a true two horse race which was very exciting for everyone involved.”
Only a couple weeks ago the Rams and Bulls battled out an entertaining five-goal thriller that had everything but in the end, Macarthur came away with a last minute winner.
“Bulls FC Academy are a quality outfit, well coached with some individual talent across the squad,” Peters said.
“Jaime has done a great job with them. The game a few weeks back was a real arm wrestle and we expect the same in the upcoming game.
“Our preparations have been consistent all season and we will look to stay true to what has worked well for us this season.
“We’re looking forward to a Grand Final Macarthur Derby,” said the Rams coach.
2023 NPL NSW Women’s Grand Final
Sunday 17th September
Bulls FC Academy v Macarthur Rams
Valentine Sports Park
6pm
By Nikola Pozder
