By Peter Stephenson
First against second, the two best attacks, the two best defences, the top five scorers in the league (one Collingwood followed by four Barkerettes). By any measure, these were the two best sides in the league, with daylight third. Anticipation was high, especially after the Barkerettes’ thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory at Esther Park in round 1. However, could they stop Hannah Robinson, who had so far scored in every game this season?
Sunshine bathed Richmond’s Kevin Bartlett Reserve for Division 3 East’s match of the season. Barkers began the day two points ahead of City, but even after this game there would still be eight games to play.
The first chance came on four minutes and fell to Rebecca Brown, but she shot wide. Seven minutes later, Amy D’Ortenzio laid a heavy challenge on an opponent but the ref waved play on, so would we have a physical encounter? In a good start for Barkers, a shot inside the penalty area forced a good tip over from City keeper Lerae Sandy.
Collingwood then gave Barkers a couple of real scares. On 21 minutes, City’s Isla Tremlett was clean through but Ashleigh Fraraccio saved point-blank. Then a City free-kick on the left was curled over the bar. Next the league’s most dangerous striker, Robinson, was given a ball to chase, but Fraraccio was out quickly to clear.
Having survived a brief siege, Barkers then hit City on the counter. A through ball was played for D’Ortenzio, she outpaced the chasing defenders and hit a shot beyond Sandy into the net to give Barkers the lead.
Barkers had their tails up and finished the half well. Kelly Butera crossed for Brown, who swept the ball over. Then on the stroke of half-time, Zahra Goodman crossed superbly from the right to the near post, where D’Ortenzio managed to half-volley the ball over with the goal at her mercy. Half-time: Collingwood 0-1 Barkers, with the visitors good value for the lead.
Barkers began the second half well, with Butera having a shot saved, then D’Ortenzio crossed from the left for Butera to shoot, but it was saved. Now, though, the balance of the game shifted.
Having taken charge of the game with an aggressive stance, Barkers allowed Collingwood back in the game, and in particular allowed Robinson to show what she’s capable of. On the hour, City found their key striker some distance from goal, but she turned and still put in a dangerous shot just past the far post. The warning wasn’t heeded, and eventually a well-weighted ball from Brianne Buckingham set Robinson free, and she slipped the ball wide of Fraraccio to make it 1-1.
The rest of the game saw Collingwood put lots of pressure on Barkers, who have Fraraccio to thank for some vital clearances – her speed off her line in recent weeks has been a noticeable bonus for the Barkers defence. Up front, the introduction of Charlotte McCullough late on was causing Collingwood all sorts of problems. She was aggressive and chased every ball tirelessly, but Barkers couldn’t quite prise open the City defence one more time. Full-time: Collingwood 1-1 Barkers.
In the end Barkers may have been relieved to come away with a point, yet it still could have been three if that chance for D’Ortenzio had stayed down. This was a bruising encounter for both sides, and they’re probably relieved they won’t have to face each other again this year. Barkers weren’t quite at their best today, but this was still good enough to preserve their lead at the top. The banana skin for the rest of the year will be that the majority of remaining games are away from the Kennel, so there’s a long way to go.
