NEWPORT Ladies’ incredible run in the Lacrosse Victoria women’s state league shows no signs of abating.
NLLC made it a three-peat of premierships on Sunday with a 12-3 triumph over Footscray in the season decider at Caulfield Park.
It was the club’s 22nd title during a phenomenal run of 39 consecutive grand final appearances in the top flight.
NLLC coach Jason Simpson said his reaction differed from the players and fans on completion of an undefeated season.
“It was pandemonium after the game,” he said.
“A lot of the supporters have been there for all 39 grand finals and the champagne corks were popping.
“But, for me as coach, it was more a feeling of relief. We have been undefeated all season
and didn’t want our first loss to come in the final.”
NLLC bullied the game from start to finish.
The lion’s share of shots was theirs and they controlled the tempo through a heavier weight of possession.
Stacey Morlang played a major part of the keepings-off in the centre of the park.
Morlang, one of five NLLC players in the Australian team, provided the drive and direction and her teammates followed.
“She was a real general in the middle for us,” Simpson said.
“She ran through the lines and provided plenty of leadership for us.”
NLLC went to half-time with a commanding 7-1 lead.
Despite a week’s break, there was no indication of lethargy in the first half.
“We were really switched on,” Simpson said.
“They seem to reserve their best for the big games.”
Lyndsey Paton scored the opening three goals of the game.
The middie was a constant thorn in the side of the Scray with five for the game.
“It was bang, bang, bang at the start,” Simpson said. “She’s a midfielder, not a forward, but she was dangerous all the time.”
Hayley Sofarnos set up a number of goals
enroute to four assists to go with a goal of her own. She worked tirelessly at the back of the net to execute set plays that left the Scray defence dumbfounded.
“She fed the ball well,” Simpson said. “There were a couple of great assists that came from the back of the goal.”
Rachel Kirchheimer had a vital role in shutting down Scray star Sarah Mollison, Hayley Barlow was nigh on impenetrable in defence, and Bree Hussey was a commanding presence in goals.
Elise Hussey, Steph McNamara and Asha
Carroll also found the back of the net in the rout that saw NLLC register a lop-sided 31-8 shots tally.
Simpson said the cornerstone to NLLC’s success was the work ethic.
“They’re a very hard-working team,” he said.
“The reason we keep working hard is because we know Footscray is going to keep snapping at our heels. We have a lot of respect for them, they are a club on the up and up.”
Lacrosse Victoria
Women’s State League
Grand final: Newport 12 d Footscray 3
