Gaffney Match Preview: Royals hit the road for tough North Geelong test
By Jordan Cvitkovic
Essendon Royals will be making a long drip down to Geelong to take on a tough North Geelong Warriors side this Sunday afternoon.
North Geelong has taken three wins from four to start the Women’s State League One North-West competition and is currently sitting three points off leaders Spring Hills.
The Royals are two points behind North Geelong but if this game is won, will leap over them being in a minimum position of fourth place to end off round five.
With the stakes so high, there is little doubting the importance of this massive game in the context of what the season may look like for the Women’s side.
Although North Geelong has had a great start to the season, the Warriors have not won their games as convincingly as the Royals have as they currently have a +6-goal difference compared to the Royals’ +13.
If the Royals are able to continue the fantastic goalscoring form they displayed against Clifton Hill on Friday spectators could be in for a very exciting and entertaining game on Sunday.
If Royals coach Vince Battiato can take 10 points from the opening 5 games, it would be considered a rather good start to the season considering the level of opposition his side has faced in the first four games.
The Royals look to have a variety of options for the game on Sunday and look to have a very healthy squad going into this game which is a massive boost for the side, and the Girls should be in great spirits going into this game based on how well they have jelled thus far this season.
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Women’s State League 1 North-West – Round 5
North Geelong Warriors V Essendon Royals
Sunday 22 May
Elcho Park
Reserves 1 pm
Seniors 3 pm
AROUND THE GROUNDS
With the Royals occupied by North Geelong this Sunday, all eyes will be on De Chene Reserve where the Moreland Zebras will be taking on top-of-the-table Spring Hills Stallions.
The Stallions and Zebras both have high hopes of promotion and have proven extremely tough opposition this season already, making this game a crucial one in the contest of the league.
Elsewhere, Craigieburn City takes on Bundoora United, whilst Keilor Park host La Trobe University and FC Clifton Hill host Elwood City.