WD3 PENNO Vs Sydney University

WD3 -R8 11 Jul 2026 Sat - 10:45 am - MKO1
G B Score PENNO 4 4 28 Sydney Uni 0 1 1					G B QT ST 1 2 8 8 0 0 0 0					G B QT ST 0 0 0 8 0 1 1 1					G B QT ST 1 2 8 16 0 0 0 1					G B QT ST 2 0 12 28 0 0 0 1
Best Players Lucy Boyd Emma Dunn Zoe Fajemisin Jessica Nagy Jemima Cusack Lily Cranwell
Goal Scorers Lucy Boyd - 2 Lily Cranwell - 1 Zoe Fajemisin - 1

Another crisp winter's morning brought a slight chill to the start of the day. As most of us arrived at the legendary Mike Kenny Oval, a couple of thoughts crossed everyone's mind: "Where are the goals?" and "Will we even be able to see the footy?" The thick mist rolling across MKO created an eerie, unfamiliar backdrop that wasn't particularly welcoming.

With our intrepid coach Todd away on representative duties in Queensland, coaching responsibilities fell to Wilko. What a privilege it was to spend the day with this legendary group in their own competition. Opportunities like this don't come around often, and there were certainly some big shoes to fill.

Q1 – It Is Time
A classic Wilko warm-up, followed by a quick possession drill to switch the group on, had everyone ready to go. We came out hungry and with genuine intent. Putting together a side is never easy. Add wet weather, a merry dance of player movement and rule interpretations, and an opposition determined not to lose, and we certainly had our work cut out for us.

The opening quarter belonged to the Divvies. Our forward-half pressure was outstanding, and possession must have been close to 75%. Rolling through our key themes, we controlled the ball at source brilliantly, earning ourselves a perfect 10/10. Our purposeful use of the football through the next phase created consistent forward momentum, another 10/10, while our commitment to treasuring possession eventually produced the reward it deserved—a behind followed shortly after by our opening goal.

Pennant Hills 1.2 (8)
USYD 0.0 (0)

Q2 – Wake Up
USYD responded strongly. Our control at the source dipped slightly and our opposition began putting together passages of play that suggested they weren't about to accept the first quarter's outcome. To our credit, the girls fought back. Rotations settled us and we gradually wrestled the contest back onto our terms, although not before USYD managed a behind for their efforts. Lucy provided outstanding leadership across the backline, organising her teammates while absorbing repeated pressure. Emma's football IQ, ability to read the play and remarkable courage ensured our defensive structure remained composed whenever USYD threatened.

Pennant Hills 1.2 (8)
USYD 0.1 (1)

Half Time – Check In
Half time provided an opportunity to reflect. What were we doing well? What should we stop doing? The feedback across the group was overwhelmingly positive. The vibe was strong, confidence was building, and together we re-grounded ourselves in our three program themes. We also reinforced what is quickly becoming a fourth theme across the program: Bring the GRRRR.

Q3 – Super Play
The Divvies settled beautifully into the contest. They refused to rush their football, and our developing style of play became increasingly evident through our decision-making. Excellent handball chains, composed lateral movement and well-weighted 45-degree kicks allowed us to move the ball with confidence and purpose. Around the contest, the girls brought the GRRRR. Increased confidence attacking the aerial contest allowed us to win possession more consistently, while relentless forward-50 pressure resulted in another three scoring shots. Zoe rotated impressively between half forward and the ruck alongside Jemima. Together they helped us maintain control at the source, giving our midfield time and space to execute the next phase and continue treasuring possession.

Pennant Hills 2.4 (16)
USYD 0.1 (1)

Q4 – Not Enough
Despite leading comfortably, there was never a sense that the girls were satisfied. With the match played 14-a-side, the Divvies held a slight advantage through our rotations, but there was a collective feeling that our effort deserved even more reward. Jessica Nagy and Lily Cranwell continued to lead from the midfield, with Lily also spending valuable time forward. Their determination drove the group to keep hunting the contest. Our pressure remained relentless, our composure with ball in hand never wavered, and once again our handball chains and lateral ball movement allowed us to build our own "house" inside forward 50. Two further scoring shots sealed a terrific team performance and ensured the Divvies secured the chocolates.

Final Score
Pennant Hills 4.4 (28)
USYD 0.1 (1)

Best Players
Lucy Boyd (Best on Ground), Emma Dunn, Zoe Fajemisin, Jessica Nagy, Jemima Cusack, Lily Cranwell

Goals
Mia McGregor (2), Lily Cranwell, Zoe Fajemisin

Own the Ball at Source. Control the Contest. Treasure the Football.

Continue to build. Continue to learn. Continue to believe.

Train together. Play together. Have fun together.

#BuiltNotBought #NorthwestFooty #ThePlaceYoudRatherBe