Div 2

Finals Fever!! (Bats 2-1 YMCA)

Young women there’s no need to feel down,

I said Jen Peden, pick yourself off the ground,

I said Div 2, let’s celebrate in Newtown,

There’s no need to be unhappy.

Do-dah-dee-dum-do

It’s fun to beat the Y-M-C-A

It’s fun to beat the Y-M-C-A…

‘If we win, we’re in’ was the battle cry from Dena before the game. Luckily for the team it was short and punchy so we managed to remember it – and get ourselves to the finals! Hoorah!

In a game of only one ‘real goal’ (apparently penalties do not count as proper goals to some – to be fair, both seemed to be quite dodgy calls from the ref, so maybe the game should’ve only been 1-0), we decided to keep things interesting by living on the edge a little. While we struggled to dominate in the first half, we reached the dugout at half time (yes, there is a dugout at ELS Hall Pitch 2 – get a game there if you can just so you can try it out) a goal to the good thanks to an assist from Fi and a flying finish from Alice.

Our defence had their work cut out for the whole 90 minutes with YMCA trying the through ball at every opportunity and looking to beat the offside trap. The second half saw two inch perfect sliding tackles from goalkeeper Cara to protect our fragile lead. At that stage the game was 2-1 following two quick penalties – one for each side. First off, Erin picked the ball up in midfield and drove forward taking a shot from the edge of the box which hit a YMCA defender. Handball was the call, although it was less clear than Harry Kewell’s. Up stepped Erin to make the keeper weep. Shortly afterwards, Jen was adjudged to have fouled a YMCAer, despite being the one who ended up with blood all over her. Go figure. YMCA answered our well-taken peno with one of their own and our advantage was back to one goal.

This game was essentially a knockout bout to see which of us would make the finals. In the end it wasn’t the YMCA song but the ‘If we win, we’re in’ catchphrase which helped pull us over the line. One last league game next Sunday, and then some finals to look forward to. Hoo haa Batties!

Written by Jane

Div 4

Strength versus speed (Bats 1 – 1 Thornleigh)

Div 4 wiped the floor with Thornleigh last time the two teams met, but the Bats were wise to take the Thorns seriously after checking their most recent results (including a 5-1 drubbing of Flying Bats arch nemesis, the Redbacks!).

Both teams started strong and the pace of the Thorns’ two strikers was a formidable task for the backs, but they were up for the challenge. Midway through the first half, the ref awarded a free to the Bats in Thorns territory. The Thorns held the line high but Fin’s perfectly weighted kick had Alicia, Dan and Alex all in the hunt for the ball (and way ahead of the Thorns defence). Alicia got to it first and, although it wasn’t pretty, it went over the keeper’s outstretched arms and into the top right-hand corner of the goal.

The Bats took it to the thorns and tried hard to score a second goal (it was at about 2-0 in the last game that Thornleigh’s young team gave up) but this was a new team that were gritty and determined to fight back. Div 4 went into the half-time break at 1-0 but it was still a hard-fought game out there.

Taking the second half kick-off, the two speedy strikers launched an all-out attack on the Bats defence, slicing through the whole team and taking a brilliant shot at goal. Player of the match, our goalie Holly, brilliantly knocked it away but couldn’t keep hold of it, allowing their player to dodge three Bats, get to the ball first, and slice it back into the goal for the equaliser. As disappointed as the bats were, they couldn’t help but be impressed – as articulated by Sally to their main striker.

The second half was to and fro as the teams battled and enjoyed periods of dominance, on which neither could capitalise (thanks in large part to some Schwarzer-esque keeping by Holly). It was the dying seconds of the match when a ball that bounced over Holly’s head, with their striker steaming towards it, was headed off it’s goal-bound path by Alicia. The header rebounded off the post, was kicked again by the Thorns’ striker, deflected again by Alicia, at which point Holly deftly dove to the ground and grabbed it. As she rose to kick the ball back in play the ref blew time. An incredible tense end to a fantastic and enjoyable match.

Written by Alicia

Div 10

Beaten but as always, unbowed (Bats 0 – Pennant Hills 2)

Playing the unbeaten, table-topping Pennant Hills would have daunted Div 10 three or four weeks ago but their confidence continues to build. Despite coming away without the points today they made Pennant Hills work hard for their win.

At half time it was nil-all and the Bats were looking good value for at least a point. They were finding space in midfield, there was good commitment being shown on the ball from the likes of Moggs and Adrienn and the resident speedster, Sarah, had managed a number of shots on the Pennant Hills goal.

The second half saw Pennant Hills come out a little harder and apparently a little wiser to the 5-person midfield favoured by the 10s. The gaps that appeared in the first half were closed down earlier and their passing and width was working the 10s hard as they tried to break down their attacks.

The opposition have conceded only three goals all season (one of which was scored by the Bats) and scored 46. Considering this, the girls did incredibly well to hold them out until late in the game whilst continuing to bother their defence. Even at two goals down, Div 10 did not admit defeat with Moggs using her head brilliantly in defence. One of the reasons, no doubt, she was chosen player of the match.

I have a feeling that single win will be added to before this season is done.

Written by George

Div 2

Keeping the dream alive (Bats 4-2 YMCA)

Div 2 answered the call of our coach yesterday with a gutsy defeat of finals rivals YMCA. Having lost to them in our previous meeting this season, revenge was sweet indeed.

In keeping with the 4th of July tradition, there were plenty of fireworks on the pitch as the game proved to be a tetchy affair from the outset. We launched straight into attack and were one goal up early on thanks to a through ball from Erin and a lightning quick run from Alice who coolly slotted the ball beyond the keeper. YMCA rallied and Cara made a superb stop to protect our advantage. Meanwhile, down the other end, Jane crossed for Nicky to head home and extend our advantage. Fi came on for her first appearance post-South Africa and thought she had scored within minutes only to see the goal disallowed for a foul during the build up play. She was not deterred, however, and not long after she swooped to make it 3-0. Had she remembered to bring along one of her vuvuzelas, the sideline celebrations would have been even more raucous. YMCA responded by running us ragged in our box and squeezing a shot in to make the half time score 3-1.

The second half continued in much the same vein, with our midfield dominating possession. Sam was a welcome return to the team after a number of weeks on the sidelines, and she seemed to enjoy her comeback game – winning numerous balls in the air. A couple of tough (but fair) tackles saw YMCA up the whinging ante, but it was great to come across a referee who wasn’t whistle-happy, and tried to let the game flow. Alice grabbed her second goal, heading in a lovely cross from Erin, before YMCA again broke away to pull another goal back. Apparently the goal celebration was something to behold…!! Still, the most important celebration came at the final whistle with a result that will hopefully cement our place in third spot – at least until next weekend.

Written by Jane

Over 35′s

Back In The Winners Circle (Bats 6-0 Hunter Hill Yellow)

Over 35s are back in the winner’s circle after a sluggish couple of weeks with a 6-0 win over Hunters Hill Yellow. Our scorer extraordinaire Maryann kicked four goals, while our newbie Lara, continued to score goals for our team with another one this week. Ellen also provided a goal for the team in a well played game. We hope to take this winning form into the remainder of the season!

Written by Sharon

Div 2

Comeback Queens (Flying Bats 2-2 Gladesville Ravens)

After our two “easy” games against Normanhurst, Div 2 were brought back down to earth on Sunday with a tough game against the league leaders Gladesville Ravens.

It seems World Cup fever has hit north west Sydney, with opposition players diving at the first opportunity (and asking for yellow cards for our team), and some questionable refereeing decisions (although they probably evened out in the end). We started well, and had the best of the early action with a couple of chances for Sue, Devon, Jane and Erin. Mid way through the first half the Ravens began to dominate but, thanks to the crossbar plus some sound defending and great shot-stopping from Cara, the game was still goalless at half time.

The second half didn’t start so well, and we conceded a couple of well-worked goals to leave us with a lot of work to do. A change in tactics followed, with Erin switching to sweeper, and Devon joining a three-pronged attack with Alice and Jane. This put the Ravens on the back foot and we started to create chances and win some corners and free kicks. From one of these free kicks, Ange/Erin (I couldn’t see which one of you it was J) played the ball in, Devon got a touch, the keeper spilled the ball and Jane followed up to bring the score back to 2-1. The Ravens were rattled, and we continued to press with Nicky and Sue down the wings, and Kerry, Anna, Caz and Ange through the middle. At the back, Cara kept us in the game with some good anticipation and excellent clearances. Tex continued to track any runners, and Jen capped a great performance with a goal-saving tackle late in the game.

With less than 10 minutes to go, Michelle came on to play some great crosses in to the box. The pressure paid off when a ball was cleared straight to Caz who struck a super sweet shot into the top corner to draw us level. Who says this jabulani ball is difficult to master?

Written by Jane

Div 4

We took down the undefeated (Bats 5-2 Normanhurst)

This game was one hell of a victory. Our best game yet. Solid from start to finish. I am so glad too as I simply couldn’t have written about another sad loss.  Normanhurst had not lost a game this season until they met the primed Div 4 Bats on Sunday. The first half we played chase. Normanhurst 1 goal, Bats 1 goal, Normanhurst 1 goal, Bats 1 goal. Whilst Normo stopped there, the Bats were passing and calling and pumping up to peak performance and with some fantastic footwork by Fin in the mids and a run from right corner to the near the goal post, Alex was always there to finish off and we scored 2 more. As time ticked by Normo had a few breaks but the brilliance of Holly (goalie) to block and the pressure of Alicia and Michelle in the backs kept the opposition frustrated. The final goal came from a free kick (after Fin was slammed to the ground from the back = amazing site) that slipped over the defence and onto Alex’s head and like a Tevez, it was in and we all erupted with pride and surprise. We are fired up and are feeling invincible.

Written by Suz

Div 10

Flying Bats 1 – 1 Thornleigh

After their first win of the season last week Div 10 were given a much-needed injection of confidence. They had been improving every week but looked as if they didn’t believe they could take it to the next level. Thornleigh provided a stern test, despite their position on the table. They seemed to feel this game was something special, donning blue and yellow war paint and dying their hair accordingly. (Yes, we were bemused too).

A sluggish start saw the 10s concede a goal but as the first half wore on they began to impose themselves. A well-worked move from the backline and down the left wing saw the ball fall to Emma Molloy who, still smarting from last week’s miss,  made no mistake this time and buried it. I think I can safely say, there was relief all round.

All players put in a sterling effort but could not convert numerous chances. They continually put their bodies on the line against a much more, er, muscular opposition but Thornleigh were hanging on to their point.

Special mention to Clancy who played out of her skin in an unfamiliar role as a defensive midfielder, a deserved lady o’ the match.

Written by Georgina

Over 35s

Whopping Win! (Bats 9 – 0 All Saints Yellow)

Over 35s were in sizzling form in their match against All Saints-Yellow with a 9-0 win to the team. Dobs top scored with 6 goals, Lara added another 2 to her name and our awesome centreback, Eilish, scored a goal from a penalty kick! Trish defended like there was no tomorrow in the mids and fed a number of beautiful balls to the forwards. Kylie, aka Ali G, kept up the talk and encouraged and congratulated her team mates throughout the game, also feeding a ball that resulted in a goal. Paula’s corner kicks were beautiful to watch, with Maryann taking advantage of the height of one of the kicks to pop it straight in. All in all, a wonderful game. Again, another huge thank you to our div 8 players CJ and Nic, who provided some much needed relief as super subs! Thanks guys xo

Written by Sharon

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Over 35

Woop Ass No 1 (Bats 6 – 1 All Saints)

The Over 35s were in sizzling form for their match against All Saints, with a 6-1 win for our team (sorry Junior for allowing 1 goal in!!!). Dobs scored a scorching 4 goals, with Paula and our newcomer, Lara, scoring a goal each. Eilish proved formidable in defense which was a huge relief for stand in goalie (me). It was a beautiful game to watch (according to our hordes of fans) as the passing was excellent, and our talking was positive and encouraging! Well done 35s! Also, a special thanks to Moggs, who stood in for us until all our players arrived!

Written by Sharon

Div 4

Woop Ass No 2 (Bats 5 – 1 Thornleigh)

After our first loss of the season last week, we didn’t want to lose this one to fourth placed Thornleigh. 3 goals in the first half gave us confidence to play like we had in our first four games this year. Emily S and Alex scored 2 a piece and Suzi T chipped a Beckham over the defenders wall from a free kick in front of goal. It was AWESOME to watch! Alicia is a quiet achiever with a strong boot and brilliant distribution of the ball. Sally Shrubb just seemed to be everywhere, screaming for the ball and putting the attacker off. Never knew you had it in you Shrubbsy! Em Shrubb and Sal Shrubb co-dyke’s of the match.

We’re currently sitting in second place and this Sunday we face third placed Redbacks who had an even better game than us last Sunday with a 6-1 win!

Scared? NEVER! We’re Batties!

Written by Suz

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Div 2

Finally, some points on the board! (Bats 2-1 Normanhurst)

That’s right people, Div 2 have spluttered through our first round of games against the other teams in the division, and now have a healthy 3 points to show for it. This being a bottom of the table clash, defeat would have just about knocked every last bit of wind from our sails. Lucky we won then!

It was a great team performance yesterday. Ok, so I have said that before, but this week we were truly excellent. True, Normanhurst had a couple of good chances that might have made things trickier for us had they scored, but the little bit of luck we have missed in recent weeks (surely conceding 3 penalties in 2 games can only be called unlucky) finally came our way, and instead it was us who took the lead when Anna scored at the far post. Soon after that, Alice shot across the keeper into the bottom corner to make it 2-0, and at half time we were feeling confident.

The second half brought some missed chances (although not as many as last week!), and Cara kept us in the game with her safe hands. Nicky (joint player of the match with Anna), Erin and Jane all had goal-bound shots deflected wide, and we were almost gifted a goal when a Normanhurst defender brushed the post with a clearing header. Normanhurst pulled a scrappy goal back in the second half, but we held on for a deserved victory. After four defeats, it has never felt sweeter.

Written by Jane

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