Gaffney Match Preview: Royals take on Elwood at Cross Keys Reserve
The Essendon Royals Senior and Reserves Women will kick off a massive weekend for the club under Friday night lights at Cross Keys Reserve when Elwood City comes to town.
With all four senior women and men’s teams currently sitting in the top two of their respective leagues, the Royals face another crucial weekend as the club looks to establish a strong footing in their competitions ahead of some big matches to come.
Our Senior Women will be favourites on paper when second-last Elwood arrives at Cross Keys, but coach Vince Battiato has been keen to let his players know that being favourites isn’t enough.
You have to get the business done on the park.
The Royals women have rarely failed on that front.
Last week’s 3-0 win over La Trobe University was a tougher slog than some of the weeks that preceded it, but the ladies proved they were up to the physical and mental challenges presented by an up-and-about La Trobe side.
In the first game of the second half of the season, the Royals will be looking to replicate their Round One success over Elwood, where they ran out 9-0 winners at Elwood Park.
Rachel Alonso and Linda Sawa bagged four each on the night, with the odd goal coming from Marcela Marques.
A similar performance would help to solidify the Royals’ spot in second position, albeit having played a game extra than third-placed Spring Hills Stallions.
With nine rounds remaining, the Royals remain within touching distance of league leaders Brunswick Juventus, who really don’t look like losing a game outside of Spring Hills and the Royals.
The Royals take on Spring Hills and Brunswick away from home over the next two weeks, making three points against Elwood a non-negotiable.
In the earlier kick-off, the Royals Reserves will be out to continue their incredible 100 per cent record.
With half the season completed, the Royals women have won all nine games played, scoring an incredible 74 goals and conceding just four.
Kiana Kyriazis has bagged a ridiculous 26 goals, with Ivana Ovcaric sitting on 15 and Danielle Maugeri – who played in the seniors last week – sitting on 13 goals.
Despite their strong start to the season, the Royals have a dogged FC Clifton Hill breathing down their necks, just three points off the top spot, meaning the Ressies can’t afford to take their foot off the pedal just yet.
Get down to Cross Keys Reserve on Friday and support these incredible women!
MATCH DETAILS
Football Victoria Women’s State League 1 North-West – Round 10
Essendon Royals v Elwood City
Friday 24 June
Cross Keys Reserve, Essendon
Reserves 6.30 pm
Seniors 8.30 pm
AROUND THE GROUNDS
With the Royals kicking the round off on Friday night, there is a busy schedule of Sunday games ahead.
Spring Hills Stallions face a tough test away to Bundoora United, whilst La Trobe University will host North Geelong Warriors in what could prove an interesting fixture.
League leaders Brunswick Juventus head to Keilor Park as they look to notch up another win.
The other game of the round sees Craigieburn City host FC Clifton Hill.