Starting line up
Pre-Match
The Lynx had never beaten the Lionesses on Odensian soil, in Farum yes, in Copenhagen yes, but never in Odense. Not a lot of time has ticked by since the two teams last met but a lot has happened. Two Lynx were seriously injured at the Euro Cup in Norrtälje that are still out of action and one of our most experienced players was unavailable so we hit the road yet again benchless.
The vibe has been good at training lately and one can really feel it amongst the players. As we drove away from Malmö at 730am it was evident that the players were amped to get on the field even with a 2,5 hour drive ahead of them. Beautiful weather greeted us on fin Fyn with the mercury nudging 25 degrees by the start of the match.
The Match
From the get go it was obvious both teams came to play with a massive amount of tackling pressure from both sides but Malmö managed to move the ball forward first with a slight wind advantage. Captain Tilda Bengtsson and midfield counterpart Katren Rogers were on fire from the first ball up showing their running ability and Tilda surely set a WNAFL record for tackles laid. With players missing and reshuffled positioning Frida Strandberg-Landin stepped into the ruck and competed over and above her experience level to help win Malmö their fair share of the ball around the stoppages. Katren after running around all quarter suffered a minor ankle injury and sat out a few minutes to recover, meanwhile Victoria from Farum stepped in to help out and laid her fair share of tackles helping to keep Odense out of their forward 50. Many thanks Victoria, this is a great example of the good sportsmanship always shown in the WNAFL.
The second quarter we went against the wind but didn’t lose momentum. The ball movement from both teams was excellent but the ground being quite large posed challenges for both teams on the scoreboard. Lots of tackling, long kicks and marks but not much to show for it in goals. Katren made her way back on to the field and continued to burn up the turf, running and executing textbook bounces, pretty amazing for someone that started playing footy less than 12 months ago. Experienced campaigners Hanna Falkenström and Isabelle Karlsson rounded up the backline with debutant Nora Lembre. Hanna and Izzys experience showed and they managed to get us out of trouble on a number of occasions showing amazing teamwork under pressure to work the ball back out. Nora showed one of the best debut performances ever seen from a Lynx halfback following the coaches simple instruction to a tee and taking what she learned at training into the game.
The premiership quarter theory came in to play and even with the heat and lack of bench the Lynx managed to maintain the run and pressure and finally put some numbers on the scoreboard. Our usual ruck Malin Anderberg showed her one on one brilliance and ended up kicking all of Malmös goals for the day while at the same time guiding returning player Linnea Lindeman back into a forward role. Linneas natural speed and kicking ability shone through immediately and really put the pressure on. Karin Flodin rounded up the forward line by playing a challenging utility role as a mid/fwd, putting on tackling pressure, shepherds and getting boot to ball when possible in tight situations.
At the final break you could see the heat and the size of the field taking its toll on the players and the message was very clear, we didn’t travel this far to play this well and then lose it in the last quarter. Odense made one brilliant tactical change and started to pile the pressure on thanks to Maria Falkesgaards footy smarts, winning rucks and long driving kicks forward, one quick goal and it was game on. Yet again they piled on the pressure and Malmö but got numbers around the stoppages to nullify Odenses scathing attack. Sammy Vallgren had her work cut out for her as runner holding it all together in the last quarter while injured Daphny Bergqvists enthusiasm was evident as she edged her way closer and closer to the field wanting to be out there.
The siren sounded, Lynx still in front and took home the chocolates on this occasion. So many lessons learned and inspiring efforts from all involved. Thanks to Odense for their amazing hospitality and making sure the weather did its thing, can’t wait for next time!
/Ryno
Final Score
Odense Lionesses: 8
Port Malmö Lynx: 17
For full details see:
http://www.thefootyrecord.net/index.php?content1=match&m=4679
