It was another competitive day from the senior women’s teams on a rainy Sunday at the Furnace, with close matches in both Under-20s and First Grade against Camden.

U20s | South Coast Flame 0 Camden Tigers 1

Flame’s first home game of the 2022 season was against familiar foes in Camden Tigers.

Two teams wanting to stamp their mark on the new competition. Camden Tigers started the stronger of the two sides and created the first chances of the match, fortunately, Flame goalkeeper Tahlia Sharrock was up to the test.

The first half ebbed and flowed with both sides struggling to get the upper hand of the other.

Flame’s best chance of the half came from a sweeping move through midfield which ended at Mia Riza’s feet, but her shot could only find the Tigers goalkeeper.

Scores level at the break.

Flame started well in the second half and began to find some space in midfield through Bethany Horton and Hayley Cowie.

Sienna Humphrey was flying high down the right side creating a number of chances but each cross not quite finding the mark.

The game took a negative turn for Flame as somehow a South Coast direct free kick on the edge of the Camden penalty area turned into a counter attack for the Tigers pacey striker who finished a goalmouth scramble to give them the lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Flame pushed for an equaliser with Hazel Atkins shot skimming the outside of the post with five minutes remaining.

Unfortunately, the girls could not find the goal they needed going down 1-0 in disappointing fashion.

Player of the Week: Bethany Horton

Bethany started in an unfamiliar #10 role against Camden, but was the in-form player for Flame on the day. She was composed and creative in possession and worked tirelessly without the ball.

First Grade | South Coast Flame 3 Camden Tigers 3

On a wet Friday night, the Flame girls continued their fluid attacking style and dominated possession for the majority of the match.

The Flame won a corner in the opening part of the game. Sariah Wilson whipped in a powerful in-swinger which Camden struggled to defend.

The second phase ball fell to Jess Cruickshank to finish and add to her goal tally for the season.

Not long after the girls dominated the midfield and attacked from wide areas through the two hard-working Wingbacks Rachelle Wang and Caitlin Russell.

They combined well to create more chances on goal.

Another set-piece saw Jess in the right place again to make it 2-0.

At halftime, Piper Cowen was subbed on with fresh legs to make an impact.

Within the first ten minutes of the half Piper and Jess combined well to press the Camden defenders and when the ball back early.

A quick give and go had Piper free and running 1v1 with the keeper.

Piper stayed cool and calm to slot it home in the bottom left corner.

The Flame continued to defend and attack well in transition for the rest of the game. In the last five minutes, a lapse in concentration and a gallant effort from Camden led to them creating three chances and scoring all of them to make it 3-3.

What was a heartbreaking way to draw a game, a major lesson was learnt.

The 80 minutes of football played and goals scored was again another step forward for the team and a good display of football played “THE FLAME WAY”.

Player of the Week: Sariah Wilson