Zebras come from behind to secure WSL title!

The Hobart Zebras have come from a goal down to defeat the Olympia FC Warriors 2-1 in an absolute thriller at KGV, and in the process winning the Women’s Super League title for the second time in 3 years.

A bumper crowd came to Tasmania’s home of football to witness the two teams battle it out for the title. That was so pleasing to see as half an hour before kickoff, the attendance was very slim.

Olympia started the better of the two teams. Zebra’s keeper Shelley Cook was making save after save to keep the game alive. Despite the pressure from Olympia’s Madi Chambers and Bonnie Davies, the visitors were unable to get the breakthrough and we headed into the sheds 0-0 at half-time.

Olympia went ahead in the 53rd minute. Olivia Bomford scored from a set piece which hit the crossbar on the way in over Shelley Cook to give the Warriors the crucial lead.

Olivia Bomford celebrates! (Tanner Coad)

If things stood like that, Olympia would of lifted the title.

The Zebra’s cancelled out the lead shortly after in the 61st minute. Allie Berry spotted keeper Jenna Farrow off her line, lobbed over her head and just like that it was 1-1 in a matter of minutes!

Allie Berry with a wonder lob! (Tanner Coad)

Enter Jessie Williams in to replace Taylor Rand. William’s had just finished a AFL game across the park for Clarence so she certainly is committed playing two sports!

Williams sealed the win for the Zebras in the dying stages! After a fantastic run and set up play from Zoe Nichols, Williams calmly finished past Farrow to give the Zebras the 3 points, the win and the title!

Full time sounded and the Hobart Zebras were crowned champions of the Women’s Super League for season 2019.

This title race was one of the more exciting ones in Tasmanian Football in recent memory and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Olympia have nothing to be ashamed of for their efforts this season. Namely Madi Chambers and Bonnie Davies who have accomplished so much this season. But the entire team should be proud of their efforts as I would imagine Manager Alistair Russell is.

This was a landmark day for women’s football in the State. A sellout (yes I know it was free entry but still) crowd really gave the game some real fire. In a 6 team league you would think one team would lead the charge, but Olympia and Zebras proved that wrong and put on a terrific chase/end to the championship.

Congratulations to Zebra’s Manager Chris Hey and his Zebras for pulling the comeback off and claiming the WSL title!

I love how far we have come embracing that Women are just as good (if not better) than the men on any given day.

Bring on 2020! Will we bring in some new teams into the mix? Perhaps a new champion? Or will the Warriors claim the title?

Either way, Women’s football is here to stay.

And it’s a pleasure to cover and report on how these girls keep raising the bar!

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