Motivated to avenge their first round loss, and off the back of some strong performances, the Redbacks seemed poised to come away with a victory, and begin a strong run to the finals.

Though South West Rocks were first to create chances, a strong defence meant the opportunity was quickly shut down, and the Redbacks were on the front foot for the remainder of the game.

Though at times not as settled as the team would have liked, by midway through the first half, the Redbacks had begun to threaten, and it seemed only a matter of time before points were on the board.

A free kick awarded after striker Maria Wilson was taken out was narrowly missed by Yas Egan, whilst a second free kick just moments later, this time taken by Wilson after she was once again fouled, was also unlucky not to find the net.

Shots from Shannaye Hartland, and a sliding attempt from Wilson after some great work from Jess Hough and Bri St Ledger all failed to find the net, and at half-time, the scores remained tied at 0-0.

As the second half kicked off, it was hoped that the Redbacks could build on the strong showing at the back end of the first half, and find a goal early on.

However a twisted ankle to midfielder Tegan Gray in the opening minutes seemed to be a bit of an omen to the team, and from there, it looked as though the day was just not going to go the Redbacks way.

A calf injury to defender Alicia Bales and hip injury to fellow defender Yas Egan were just two more of the injuries which the team had to contend with, and which saw some fundamental in backline defence, with Hannah Morson and Tamara Dixon doing an outstanding job to step up and hold South West Rocks at bay.

In the midfield, Lani Slade stepped in and despite her own persisting injury, put in a strong performance to ensure the Redbacks remained strong in the middle.

But despite the changing line-up and thinning bench, the Redbacks remained in control and continued to create opportunities.

Wilson and St Ledger were unlucky not to score multiple times throughout the half, whilst the best chance belonged to Hartland, who’s brilliant shot at goal was only denied by an even more brilliant save by the South West Rocks keeper.

The final score of 0-0 disappointing in many regards, but also a fair indication of the solid defence South West Rocks maintained throughout the match.

“We certainly would have preferred to have come away with a win today,” Coach Tamara Burns said after the game, “but it just wasn’t to be.

“The girls played well, and on a different day, many of our shots could have easily have been goals, but that’s soccer.

“I’m incredibly proud of how many of my players stepped up today when we had a number of game ending injuries, and how many more pushed through their exhaustion levels to ensure the team wasn’t let down. It was a tremendous effort, and I just hope the injuries all turn out to be short-term.”

This Saturday sees the Ladies back home in Laurieton to take on Wauchope, with kick-off set for noon.