NPL NSW WOMEN’S

Starting in mid-April, it was the Blacktown Spartans that got off to an impeccable start, remaining undefeated in their first six starts, with the Macarthur Rams and Northern Tigers following close behind.

Going about their business quietly and consistently, Sydney University started their ascent up the competition ladder, with their star striker Rola Badawiya starting to make a name for herself.

APIA Leichhardt also had a start import scoring goals, with Shea Connors, the eventual Golden Boot winner, leading the inner-west side from the front.

As the last month of competition approached, Sydney Uni had consolidated the Premiership comfortably while the battle for finals places stretched across six teams; Northern Tigers, APIA, Macarthur, Manly, Bankstown and Sydney Olympic.

It was Olympic that made the late dash playing nine games in the final four weeks and needing two victories from their last two games to claim a finals berth. Bankstown ended Manly’s final hopes, before the Lions soon fell out of contention.

Before the final day of the regular season, the Rams had secured their top four position but lost second position through their defeat to APIA. The Northern Tigers lost at home to the Premiers however the Spartans victory over Sydney Olympic secure the Tigers’ final spot.

Macarthur, having lost twice during the season to APIA, needed extra time to overcome their rivals as Beth Gordon scored one of the goals of the season to secure their spot in the Grand Final. The next day saw the

Northern Tigers’ Shadeene Evans produce a spectacular performance to help knock out the 2022 Premiers Sydney University.

In the Grand Final, Morgan Aquino produced an inspiring performance in the Tigers goal to repel a ferocious Rams attack, helping to send the high intensity match into a penalty shoot-out. However, the shoot-out would go the other way, with her opposite number Sham Khamis saving the final spot kick to see the Rams lifting the trophy. Rams legend Kylie Ledbrook would hang up the boots a Champion.