That was a great first match.
For the ferns, I think everyone played really well. I disagree about Ekenasio’s shooting volume. I think there were definitely a few forced passes in to Nweke, but Eke was needed out front due to our middies being smothered out and that allowed the 1 on 1 for Nweke which she won almost every time except for when the ball was too low. WA is the main problem for the ferns. Poi was feeding well but her timing on her movement to receive the ball was frustrating. She moved too soon and was running around too much with the defender in tow. Both Cobden and Allison played well on her to take her out. COB’s drive and feed was great, but i think the first match nerves may have got to her, with a few bad passes. I would start COB in WA next time because she showed more potential. Gordon needs to remain in C for the whole game. She was brilliant.
Roses played so well, considering they’ve just finished a series in Australia. I think Pearson is a better WA than Joseph. I think Williams played quite well in GK but they may need to try someone else (may be Harvey?) as the balls were going in to Nweke too easily for majority of that match. Shooting duo played solid and so accurate despite Jackson applying enormous pressure. Well done to the roses on the win – definitely deserved it
