Stormy weather couldn't stop Palerang women's team from their second straight win as they downed Monaro Panthers on Sunday.
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Palerang took to the Waramanga field with a storm threatening overhead for their second round clash with Monaro Panthers. Building pressure early with strong defence and attacking prowess, Palerang dominated the first ten minutes of the match before the thunder and lightning had the game stopped. As the girls huddled under shelter, the storm lashed the field creating a wet soggy surface.
It wasn't long before the storm passed and the girls returned to the field. Palerang, picked up where they left off with strong attacking play, creating a few chances before Tamika Murphy opened the scoring with a solid strike into the goal. Impressive balls into space from Emily Malone, Courney Doyle and Kerry Mason created plenty of chances with Monaro fighting hard. As the rain fell, Palerang's attack became too much for Monaro which saw goals to Emily Hanns and Georgia Garcia taking them into a soggy half time break up 3-0.
No change to the game plan saw Palerang continue to shut down Monaro for the entire second half. Monaro fought hard with an injured goalkeeper and only ten women, making sure Palerang had to work for their goals. But as the rain fell, nothing would deter Palerang. Emily Hanns and Georgia Garcia getting into space and scoring another goal each.
With the score at 5-0 Monaro continued to fight hard pressuring the defence with a few breakaway runs. But Palerang's quick backline kept the Monaro women from getting a single shot on goal. Strong clearance from Amber Mercer, Millia Trindall, Taylia Mercer and Callie Bolitho gave the attack enough chances for Jemma Doyle to score another goal to make the score 6-0. The pressure of the match and slippery conditions saw an own goal to Monaro push the lead to 7-0 where it remained for the rest of the match.
Palerang claimed their second big result in two rounds of football, winning their first match 15-1 against Majura in a dominant display. Despite the wet weather, the girls were full of laughs and quality football, proving they are a friendly but powerful force in the 2017 competition. Their next game is against Narrabundah FC on Sunday 23rd April at 2pm at Harrison.