City scored almost right from the start through Sarah Allan, as the Taieri girls appeared to start flat and without energy. Despite missing a couple of key players, City seemed on top of its game and, in particular, defended strongly, not allowing Taieri to gain any rhythm or momentum. All the while the defending champion’s own attacks continued to look threatening.
After marching down the field City was able to double its lead shortly before the halftime break through Olivia Allan, a goal that would prove crucial in the end.
After the break, Taieri seemed a different team and lifted its intensity and skill level to match the team in orange.
Meg Vogel deflected its first goal of the game in off a cross and City appeared shaken. The Tigers were chasing an equaliser but, somewhat against the run of play, City was awarded a penalty corner after a nice counterattack and Sarah Allan converted again to stretch the game to 3-1.
Momentum swung again and City thought it |had a fourth soon after. This was rubbed out, however, and the game remained 3-1 with 10 minutes to play.
Taieri pressed again to get back in the match and a goal to Holly Haig gave it hope with a few minutes to play, but City held on to enough of the possession in the dying minutes to retain its record and keep distance at the top of the table.
In other matches, Momona eased past Kings United 3-0 while it was also 3-0 in the University derby as the Huskies downed the Stingrays.
- Matt West
