Girls shine in NSW State League finals
Eight Jewish players represented the University of NSW in the Football NSW Women's State League grand finals last Sunday, with the U15s team enjoying a hard-fought 1-0 win over Parramatta FC
EIGHT Jewish players represented the University of NSW in the Football NSW Women’s State League grand finals on September 17, with the U15s team enjoying a hard-fought 1-0 win over Parramatta FC in front of a vocal crowd at Valentine Sports Park.
After losing last year’s grand final to Western NSW, the UNSW Lions U15s – co-captained by Saskia Reisin and also featuring Kaia Ziman and Lucy Zimmerman – were determined to hold the trophy.
But in a first half that offered few scoring chances for either team, they were lucky not to fall behind after 30 minutes when a powerful strike by Parramatta hit the crossbar.
It was a different story in the second period, when UNSW maintained their strong defence while securing more possession and camping themselves in their opposition’s half.
Several corners built pressure and led to a brilliant goal from 18 metres out by Elena Tsintominas, and UNSW were able to defend their lead for the final 20 minutes.
At the presentation, Reisin thanked Parramatta for being “very tough opponents in an amazing season” before heaping praise on her teammates.
“You are all such talented players and I hope we all play together [for UNSW] into the future.”
Jewish players Lara Rutstein, Lara Joffe, Zoe Scheinberg, Juliet Williams and Jacqueline Hofbauer formed the spine of UNSW’s U17s team, which lost their grand final 0-2 to Parramatta FC.
SHANE DESIATNIK
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