Having won exactly half of the competition’s 14 previous finals – including six titles since 2000 – Lynn-Avon were heavily favoured to add to their collection, and it took just over twenty minutes for the Aucklanders to grab the upper hand.
Melissa Ray tucked the ball past Megan Andrew from close range to open the scoring and Amber Hearn was on hand two minutes later to nod home Emma Kete’s blocked shot and double the lead.
In the 28th minute, Hearn then turned provider, of sorts, forcing a sharp save from Andrew who could only parry Hearn’s powerful effort into the path of Katie Hoyle for a 3-0 halftime lead.
Western’s best chance was the game’s first, a 12-yard shot on the angle from Aimee Phillips saved by Ashleigh Cox, who had a quiet time compared to the constant barrage endured by Andrew at the other end.
A combination of offside calls, poor finishing and quick reflexes from Andrew kept the score down as Western battled bravely but were ultimately outclassed by a team loaded with past and present internationals.
Vicky Rainbow – on as a halftime substitute – made it 4-0 seven minutes after the restart with a delicate lob into the top right corner from the edge of the area following some goalmouth pinball.
Bridgette Lawry’s back post tap-in in the 63rd minute was the first of two consolation goals for Western – the second an audacious long range effort from Aimee Phillips a minute from full time.
In between, Lynn-Avon’s front pairing Amber Hearn and Emma Kete each netted in the 72nd minutes to complete a convincing eighth victory.
Lynn-Avon captain Kirsty Yallop – who enjoyed double delight by also lifting the MVP trophy – said their special relationship with the trophy and the departure of veteran players gave them no shortage of motivation.
“Definitely being here before and winning it now for the eighth time, it’s pretty important to our club to maintain that status,” Yallop said.
“We’re pretty excited. We definitely came here for one thing only and that was to win today and to send the players who are leaving us next year out on a good note.”
Yallop paid special tribute to former international Terry McCahill who has been part of all eight cup-winning Lynn-Avon sides.
“I don’t think words can describe how important Terry is to this club and to the team and it’s just awesome to give her a win again. We’re a bit disappointed we didn’t give her the league and cup double.”
“We didn’t play to our best today but we did enough to get the win and it was pretty convincing win at that.”
Story and photographs courtesy New Zealand Football Media
15th Women’s
September 13, 2008
Lynn-Avon United 6 (Melissa Ray 20, Amber Hearn 22, Katie Hoyle 28, Vicki Rainbow 52, Emma Kete 72, Hayley Moorwood 72) Western AFC 2 (Bridgette Lawry 63, Aimee Phillips 89)
Lynn-Avon United: 1-Ashleigh Cox (GK), 2-Jenny Carlisle, 3-Melissa Ray (7-Sam Selwyn 46), 4-Terry McCahill, 9-Emma Kete, 10-Dana Humby, 11-Kirsty Yallop, 14-Hayley Moorwood, 16-Katie Hoyle (12-Vicki Rainbow 46), 17-Sarah Gregorious, 18-Amber Hearn (6-
Rebecca Burrows 77).
Substitutes not used: 13-Yvonne Vale (RGK), 8-Elloise Morris, 15-Kelly Drummond
Coach: Dene Gilmore / Jill Gilmore
Western AFC: 17-Megan Andrew (GK), 2-Bridgette Lawry (4-Sharon Marshall 75), 3-Leigh Alexander, 5-Lauren Harkerss (11-Dayna Napa 52), 6-Aimee Phillips, 7-Sharlotte Lucas, 8-Rebecca West (16-Karen Almond 75), 9-Alice Pilgram, 12-Mel Anngow, 13-Rachel Oliver, 14-Kelly Jarden
Substitutes not used: 1-Olivia Jefferis (RGK), 10-Emily Roberts.
Coach: Kelly Jarden
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley
Assistant Referee 1: Wayne Scott
Assistant Referee 2: Pat Zhang
Fourth Official: Renee Silvester