Sydney University Soccer Football Club (SUSFC) claimed its first ever Cheryl Salisbury Cup as they powered to a 3-0 victory over the Macarthur Rams at Blacktown Football Park in what was a fantastic week of football.
Sydney University were impressive and the team to beat throughout the tournament topping Group B, scoring a whopping 15 goals throughout the tournament and conceding none.
The young Sydney Uni future stars booked their ticket into the prestigious Cup final after defeating the Blacktown Spartans 2-0, which set up an intriguing battle against the Rams who also finished first in their pool.
The final was played at a frenetic pace in what were ideal football conditions on the plush Blacktown Football Park artificial surface.
Sydney Uni almost took the lead as early as the 8th minute when Holly Duncan hit the post, with the Rams also going close four minutes later courtesy of an Ashlee Taff free-kick that flicked just over the bar.
It was inevitable that this match needed a much needed goal and it came in the 19th minute courtesy of a goal mouth scramble from a corner that fell to defender Lara Bosnich, with the centre back unleashing a shot that smashed beyond the Rams net much to the delight of the Sydney Uni fans.
Right on half-time Sydney University took an all-important two goal lead into the break via the penalty spot.
Up stepped Tori Tumeth who slotted the ball and sent the Rams keeper the wrong way, which gave Sydney University a well-deserved lead at the break.
It was all but sealed in the 71st minute for University as Tumeth scored a peach of a goal from long distance that all but wrapped up the match for Moore’s side.
A delighted Sydney University coach Gary Moore was happy with how his team progressed throughout the Cup and was proud with what the team achieved during the three-day tournament.
“It was a great tournament with a number of good clubs and players involved,” explained Moore. “I am so proud of what the girls achieved. This is the first time Sydney University has won this Cup which is a wonderful accolade for all involved. The girls played joga bonito all over the park and throughout the week and I was very proud to have coached them.”
Sydney University’s outstanding defender Lara Bosnich was given the honours of being announced the 2013 Cheryl Salisbury Player of the Tournament – a huge achievement for the youngster who had a sterling tournament, holding the fort for her side that conceded no goals.
Moore heaped praise on Bosnich who was certainly one of the stars of the tournament.
“Lara had a fantastic tournament. She’s wanted to score for years, so to have scored in the final of this Cup I am sure will live long in her memory, but I am very delighted for her.”
Match Stats
Cheryl Salisbury Cup Final @ Blacktown Football Park
Sydney University 3
(Lara Bosnich 19’, Tori Tumeth 25’, 26’)
Macarthur Rams 0
Sydney University: Amy Baldwin, Lara Bosnich, Nina Cannane, Madeleine Darke, Holly Duncan, Madeleine Kowalenko, Nicola Leech, Rebecca Leech, Ailish McDonagh, Charlie Rule, Brooke Srour, Adrienne Thackway, Sarah Tsoumbris, Tori Tumeth, Rose Wills
Macarthur Rams: Annalise Cavagino, Helaina Corr-Johnson, Erika Fernandez, Tylah Hayes, Emily Hollis, Gabryelle Jackson, Kaitlin Leonard, Andrea Murtagh, Ashley Refalo, Cecilia Thompson, Alex Honan, Bethany Jenkins, Natalie Morris, Brooke Pepper, Ashlee Taff, Kyeanne Woods
Semi-Finals Results
Sydney University 2 Blacktown Spartans 0
Macarthur Rams 2 Sutherland Shire PL 2 (Rams won 4-2 on penalties)
Grand Final
Sydney University 3 Macarthur Rams 0
