University women victorious in football final

Jason Tozer

19 September 2006: University of Canberra Pumas grabbed victory in the women's State League 4 grand final, but their women's State League 2 Division 2 side was narrowly defeated in the grand final at O'Connor on Sunday.

The Pumas defeated Belsouth, 3 - 1, however, their undefeated season in State League 2 Division 2 was brought to an end by Belnorth, 2 - 1, with Dushanka Foon scoring the University's only goal.

The University's victorious State League 4 side

Both teams finished their seasons as League Champions (minor premiers), and the State League 4 premiership is the first for a women's team at the club since they merged with the men in 2004 and formed the Pumas.

Pumas State League 4 team manager and grand final goal scorer Jen De Gabriele said though they weren't overly optimistic going into the game, their control of possession saw them make the most of their chances.

"We hadn't beaten Belsouth through the season, having lost 2-0 twice and drawn 0-0 once so we weren't overly confident," De Gabriele said.

"But we played our game and kept a fair amount of the possession, putting together some good passing and using the wide field to our advantage."

The Pumas led 1-0 at halftime after striker Jen Holland's pressure on the Belsouth keeper paid off 10 minutes before the break.

They then asserted their dominance with De Gabriele scoring half way through the second half and Holland scoring her second shortly after.

Belsouth came back to score a consolation goal just before fulltime as the Pumas sensed victory and slackened in defence.

The team will remain relatively similar for their premiership defence, though coach James Molloy has raised the idea of moving up to State League 3 to give the side a greater challenge.

The Pumas have three men's teams playing for the title this Saturday with Division 2 up against Belconnen United at Hawker Oval, and Division 6 and Division 7 playing at O'Connor against Belwest and ADFA respectively.

This Saturday's men's matches at a glance:

Men's Division 2: Pumas v. Belconnen United, 12.30pm, Hawker Oval

Men's Division 6: Pumas v. Belwest, 12.30pm, O'Connor Enclosed Field

Men's Division 7: Pumas v. ADFA, 2.30pm, O'Connor Enclosed Field.

(All the men's games are being played on Saturday 23 September)