Sandringham Soccer Club have handed WPL newcomers Caulfield Cobras a tough initiation into the state’s top flight, running out 7-1 winners at the opening round gala at Broadmeadows Valley Park.
Nicola Westwood starred with a hat-trick, Annabelle Gibney netted a brace, while Emma Runnalls and Sienna Fogarty both added singles for Sandringham, with Amy Kane nabbing Caulfield’s solitary goal.
Potent striker Runnalls opened Sandringham’s account in the 11th minute, rising at a corner to head home the opener.
It was hat-trick hero Westwood who was the next player on the scoresheet in the 13th minute after pouncing on a goalmouth scramble, with the ball taking a deflection off ‘keeper Jaye Todd into the goals.
Youngster Emma Robers, who made the move from fullback to midfield to start the WPL season, was the next player with a chance to increase the lead after a cutback from Stephanie Tanti, but her shot flew over the bar.
Westwood added her second goal in the 23rd minute after being played through on goal, rounding Todd for a simple finish.
Midfielder Gibney joined the scorer’s list in the 29th minute, beating Caulfield’s offside trap the slot neatly into the bottom left corner for Sandringham’s fourth goal.
Puli Gariyawasam was unlucky not to peg one back for the Cobras before half-time, having the goal at her mercy after a series of Caulfield shots and rebounds had the ‘keeper beaten, but the winger’s goal bound strike was headed away by a defender on the line.
Sandringham continued their rout just minutes after the break, with Westwood securing her hat-trick after a partially clearer corner landed at her feet for an easy put-away.
Gibney then also had her second goal moments later, scoring from a one-on-one with Todd to blow the lead out to six.
Despite the dominant performance, Emma Runnals started to cut a frustrated figure, with a few of her chances denied by the ‘keeper or the woodwork.
Caulfield slowly worked their way into the contest and earned a consolation goal through Amy Kame, who guided the ball past an advancing Cook, receiving thunderous applause from the contingent of Cobras supporters.
That wasn’t before Fogarty rounded off Sandringham’s dominant performance with an 85th minute strike.
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Caulfield Cobras 1 (Kane 80′) defeated by Sandringham Soccer Club 7 (Runnals 11′, Westwood 13′ 23′ 46′, Gibney 29′ 48′. Fogarty 82′) at Broadmeadows Valley Park
Caulfield Cobras: 32. Jaye Todd (GK), 4. Jamie Brown, 14. Dani Jackson, 24. Hollie McDonald (29. Zelka Milojevic 46′), 23. Victoria Argyropoulos, 19. Louise McMullen (31. Mandi Giannopoulos 87′), 15. Puli Gariyawasam (12. Bree Gurr 70′), 6. Edita Mackaj, 22. Cassandra Mayston (21. Naomi Roberts 28′, [5. Vanessa Karazisis 46′]), 3. Amy Kane, 8. Anita Les
Yellow Card(s): Nil
Red Card(s): Nil
Sandringham Soccer Club: 21. Niki Cook (GK), 2. Annabelle Gibney, 4. Emma Robers (7. Kirstie Shearing 46′), 6. Stephanie Parton, 8. Nicola Westwood (12. Eliza Gleadell 65′), 9. Emma Runnals, 10. Stephanie Tanti (27. 27. Belinda Powell 73′), 11. Lucyna Kapusta, 13. Alina Kapusta, 18. Sienna Fogarty, 28. Emily Morris-Krause (24. Irena Taseski 72′)
Unused Subs: 1. Maddi Nobbs
Yellow Card(s): Nil
Red Card(s): Nil