Titans to clash in top-of-the-table Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship fixture

By Joan Grey

The Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship continues to take shape as the teams settle into two groups — five vying for the lead and a cluster of three battling to avoid the wooden spoon.

The competition’s top two teams meet on Friday, while the bottom pair go head-to-head on Sunday.

Game of the week

In a clash of championship titans, the table’s top two teams Fencibles United and Onehunga Sports will meet under Friday night lights at William Green Domain.

Fencibles are breathing down Onehunga’s neck and are just four points behind, with two games in hand.

If Fencibles can win this clash, they will be just one point behind.

Fencibles United can take confidence from their performance last weekend against Western Springs in the Kate Sheppard Cup.

They took Springs to the full ninety, ending with a 1-3 loss, but a strong showing given Springs are one of the nation’s top sides and were runners-up in last season’s Women’s National League.

Both Onehunga and Fencibles have been ruthless in front of goal in their last five games, scoring 17 and 16 goals, respectively.

Fencibles have the distinct home advantage of William Green Domain’s artificial turf, the only artificial turf pitch used in the Championship.

*Onehunga Sports midfielder Kate Inwood. Photo: Andrew Skinner / Phototek.*

Player to watch

Central midfielder Kate Inwood is a dynamic attacking playmaker for Onehunga Sports and has a knack for lethal set pieces.

She has scored in Onehunga’s last two matches and will look to continue that momentum.

Originally from the South Island, Inwood grew up playing for Cashmere Technical and represented Mainland football.

These days, Inwood is the head coach of the Mount Albert Grammar School girls’ football first XI.

Adding spice to the Friday fixture, her MAGS student Millee Loxton is on the opposing Fencibles team, and will be looking to close her down in the midfield.