The UQ Red Lionesses notched up the first win in their short history in the SEQ Women’s League on Sunday.
The UQ Red Lionesses etched their names in the history books on the weekend, with the team’s inaugural win in the SEQ Women’s League.
UQ entered the competition for the first time this season, and collected a 6.15 (51) – 4.3 (27) win over fellow first-years, Caboolture.
It was set to be a historic day whatever the result on Sunday, with both sides searching for their first win in the competition.
In slippery conditions, the opening term was an arm wrestle, with both sides struggling to take the ascendency, finishing two points in UQ’s favour, 3-1.
Some of Caboolture’s more experienced players, including Cassi Bell, stepped up in the second, with the Lions kicking two late goals and taking the lead at the major break.
In the second half, UQ’s numbers wore the Lions down, and the ball was parked in the home side’s forward 50.
A goal to Bell off a UQ turnover in the dying minutes of the third quarter kept the Lions in front at the final change, but they simply couldn’t run with the home side as the clock ticked on.
UQ’s midfield pace, led by Marikki Watego, was too much for an understrength Caboolture to handle in the final term, and with all the opportunities, the Red Lionesses piled on the points and kept their opposition scoreless in by far their best quarter of the year.
Chloe Langbroek kicked three for the home side in the win, while key position player, Daryl Jensen and half-forward Harriet Yeates had their best games of the season in the victory.
After being on the end of some big losses, UQ coach, Nick Kent, said the win was a fitting reward for his side’s hard work so far this season.
“This was a game that we had been working towards and all the girls have been working really hard to improve each week so we thought we had a good chance,” he said.
“We’re a pretty fit side and our second halves have been our strength all year, and that showed again against Caboolture.”
Kent said the side was well aware of the significance of the win, being the club’s first women’s team.
“You don’t have many opportunities in life to be the first at something, so it’s a pretty special moment for the team,” he said.
“To be the first ever team and to pick up the club’s first win, no one can take that away from you.”
UQ captain, Tia Bool, was ecstatic after the match.
“It’s just awesome to finally get a win,” she said.
“A lot of the girls hadn’t played before this year, and we’ve just improved so much each week.
“It means a lot to all of us.”
Despite the win, UQ still remain on the bottom of the Women’s League, ladder due to percentage, with Caboolture having picked up four points from an early-season forfeit.
In the other women’s matches, Yeronga continued its unbeaten run, with a 156-0 thrashing of Logan.
Kedron picked up a 7.10 (52) – 4.2 (26) win over Griffith Moorooka at E.K.Anderson Oval.
Palm Beach pushed second-placed Coorparoo, falling only two goals short of a major upset at Salk Oval, finishing with a 3.6 (24) – 5.7 (37) loss.
Click here for all the photos from the historic match.
