Titles aren’t decided in May, but by Sunday evening the Women’s NSW NPL 1 competition will have a fair idea which club is in fact the team to beat in 2016.
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Unbeaten ladder leaders Illawarra are set to play host to fellow high-flyers Sydney University at JJ Kelly Park in a match which is likely to determine which side deserves the early ‘title favourites’ tag.
The Stingrays have been near flawless to start the season, with five wins and two draws through the opening seven rounds.
Uni have been similarly impressive and are one competition point behind the Rays on the ladder heading into this weekend’s blockbuster. Illawarra coach Earle Canvin knows it will be his team’s biggest test to date.
“It’s one versus two so it is going to be a big game,” he said.
“They have got a great program up there with Heather Garriock in charge, who is a fan of the Illawarra and the Stingrays. They will come ready and well prepared so it should be a great game.”
Illawarra were dealt a huge blow going into the clash with the news star midfielder Erica Halloway is expected to have a long stint on the sidelines.
The Western Sydney Wanderers Player of the Year limped off with a foot injury during last week’s 2-0 win over Macarthur Rams and looks set to miss at least the next six weeks.
In a boost, Caitlin Cooper and Michelle Heyman are expected to play despite being named in the latest Matildas squad during the week.
