Ingrid Cropper and Matilda Botting
After 37 years, DHUSC’s newly reformed Women’s team has had a strong start to the season. On Sunday, the team took to the home pitch for round six, with high hopes of bringing in their first win. Playing against Ballarat North, a team who is also made up of a lot of new players, Daylesford hoped to hold the home ground upper hand.
The team kicked off with their renowned enthusiasm and team spirit, welcoming back Ella Whinfield from injury. It was a firecracker start with Vivien Hemming scoring the first goal for Daylesford within the first 60 seconds.
Ballarat North responded by adding pressure in the midfield, matched well with Daylesford’s Rebecca Dawson’s dynamic weaving and Maddie Lemphers skilled manoeuvres, supported by Zoe Nurse and Eleni Chrysopoulos on the wings. Even so, Ballarat managed an equalising goal. Daylesford quickly retaliated, with Maddie scoring her first goal of the day.
Daylesford held most of the possession, with a large part of the first half being played at Daylesford’s scoring end. A break away from Ballarat ended in a hard fought second goal for the away team, but Daylesford quickly followed up with a second goal from Maddie. Ballarat fought back to again equalise. These quick-fire goals kept the sideline spectators on the edge of their seats.
Maia Joyner, a new recruit to Daylesford, shone in goals for her second game of the season. Assisted by a resilient backline of defenders and their skills: Alix Downing’s fearless protection of goal, Bree Melotre’s tenacity, and Dianne Tran’s speed and skill – all held together with Captain Rylee Cruz’s strong leadership.
Ella, Maddie, and Vivien dominated the attacking forward, confidently overwhelming Ballarat’s defence, giving Daylesford the opportunity to take the lead again. Ella scored her first goal for Daylesford, returning with energy and passion after five weeks recovering from injury.
At half time, Daylesford lead 6-4, including a hat trick from Maddie. It was an incredibly strong half, cheered on keenly by the home team fans.
The second half began with Ballart North coming out fighting – scoring within the first minute. Daylesford wingers, Juliette Scanlan and Matilda Botting, responded with pressure and speed, assisting goals from Maddie, Ella, and Vivien, quickly bringing the score to 9-5.
Renee Smith held her own, keeping pressure on Ballarat’s defence, making space for Daylesford’s strikers to fearlessly attack the goal. Daylesford fought through the final 20 minutes with complete determination, dominating the second half, with both Maddie and Ella scoring a hat trick in the final half hour.
When the final whistle blew, the score was 13 – 5 for Daylesford, the Women’s team taking their first win of the season on home soil. A brilliantly played match and a nail-biting watch from start to finish.
Make sure you catch them at their next home game against Vikings FC on Sunday 15th June at 1pm.
Ingrid Cropper and Matilda Botting are players for the Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club senior women’s team.
