The new-look Grace Martin Trophy is now confirmed as the top six teams remain in the league, while the bottom six sides create the AAW Division 2 competition.
Words by: Clem Tito
Both Leichhardt Saints team have qualified for the Grace Martin Trophy and will be joined by Hurlstone Park Wanderers, defending champions Concord JSC, Balmain DFC A and Strathfield FC.
Each team will play each other once more, before a top four finals series will decide the 2023 champion.
Balmain DFC B, both Marrickville Red Devils teams, Cooks River Titans, LFC Sports and Russell Lea Women’s SC will depart the Grace Martin Trophy to form the AAW 02 competition.
Grace Martin Trophy
Cooks River Titans 0-5 Leichhardt Saints A
Table-topping Leichardt Saints A made it nine wins for the season, bouncing back from a loss last week. Vanessa Calla opened the scoring late in the first half followed by both Michelle Reilly-Brown and Jordi Harris bagging themselves a brace.
Balmain DFC A 6-0 Russell Lea Women’s SC
Balmain DFC A eased past Russell Lea Women’s SC thanks to an inspiring Elise Crimmins hat-trick. Maisie Tanner opened the scoring after 15 minutes from the spot before Alex Xerri doubled the lead soon after. Holly Davine made sure they would close out the game comprehensively at Queen Elizabeth Park, making it six in the final eight minutes of the game.
Marrickville Red Devils B 1-2 LFC Sports
The final score of this match was decided early with Lilian Santos breaking the deadlock after eight minutes before Natalie Davis equalised for Marrickville Red Devils B moments after. The lead didn’t last long as Kathe Pereira da Silva Sodre converted from the spot at the 17th minute. There were no more goals for the rest of the game as LFC Sports got their second win of the season.
Marrickville Red Devils A 5-4 Leichhardt Saints B
Marrickville A showed grit and quality football in their final game before relegation coming from behind three times. Leichardt Saints B went up 2-0 after a strong 20 minutes, before Marrickville A made it 2-2 going into the break. Mariana Braga bagged a hat-trick, including a penalty awarded in the 88th minute as Daniella Merenda also managed to get herself on the scoresheet.
Balmain DFC B 2-5 Hurlstone Park Wanderers
Stephanie Kontakos continued her fine form, netting a hat-trick. It took her just five minutes to open the scoring before Maree Parasidis made it 2-0 shortly after. While it looked like game on as Emma McCarthy pulled one back, Hurlstone Park Wanderers showed why they are second on the table, closing out the game in style at Callan.
Strathfield FC 2-5 Concord JSC
An Ellen Wloadaryz brace helped her side to a comprehensive victory at Strathfield Park. Both teams pressed from kick-off, and the fast surface meant possession changed regularly. Concord JSC led by two goals at half-time as Strathfield FC continued to press on the counter after the break. On an immaculate playing surface, Chelsea Johnson, Sophie Galletta and Olivia Galletta managed to get onto the scoresheet for Concord JSC with Wlodaryz sealing the game with five minutes left.
Bill Brackenbury Cup
Marrickville Red Devils 1-4 APIA Leichhardt JFC
There were four separate goal scorers for APIA Leichhardt JFC as Furkan Rendeci, Raphael Pulera, Anthony Trimboli and Jamieson Mobbs found the net. It was Jun Chin who opened the scoring for Marrickville Red Devils, however APIA Leichhardt proved to be too strong, making it two wins in a row.
LFC Sports 0-3 Hurlstone Park Wanderers
Hurlstone Park Wanderers maintain their undefeated streak as a result of a match forfeit by LFC Sports.
Strathfield FC 5-3 Balmain DFC
Strathfield FC defeated Balmain DFC in a highly contested game at Strathfield Park. Strathfield was able to convert several goal-scoring opportunities, which had been a concern for them recently. The game was played at a high intensity, with Michael Medaglia, Anthony Costa, Nathan Guinan, Sanjit Selverajoo, and Daniel Costa, all getting themselves on the scoresheet for Strathfield.
Image credit: Photographed with Love
