Tough-tackling clashes

FRESH from cup action the contenders for the GulfWeekly Premiership Trophy were busy challenging for points in the Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain Ladies League.

The tough-tackling Monday evening fixtures held at the Batelco Sporting Grounds in Hamala featured Arsenal Red against St Christopher’s Intermediate and Joga Bonito taking on Desert Divas.

Arsenal Red took all three points with a narrow 2-1 victory in an intense, physical and tight game. Within the first few minutes midfielder Hebe Lanyon had put St Christopher’s in the lead with a powerful strike.

The determined Reds went on the offensive in search of an equaliser. Their patient play paid off when midfielder Alaa Al Alawi scored one after a delicate touch was followed up with a cool finish.

The pressure continued to mount and a powerful strike by Red’s captain Rama Salem sealed the victory although St Chris came close to equalising before the final whistle. Arsenal coach Deena Rahman said: “St Christopher’s have improved superbly as the season has progressed. It is great to see them working hard.

“The Reds also did a fantastic job communicating well together, working as a team with lots of energy and some smart play.”

Last week’s cup finalists Joga Bonito and Desert Divas met up once more and produced yet another exciting game. And once again Joga came out top, this time recording an impressive 5-2 victory.
 
Team captain Alaa Al Durazi said: “Both teams played well and aimed to grab those three points. We enjoyed the challenge and were happy to see some new names on the score sheet. Everyone was taking chances in front of the Divas goal.”

Aisha Al Dosari notched a brace and captain Al Durazi, Eman Ramadan and Sara Al Aali also scored. The efforts of Divas manager Patti Giaschi and forward Janet Kellagher did not go unnoticed but it was not enough to salvage the game.

This week Joga Bonito took on Arsenal Yellow and St Christopher’s Intermediate played Desert Divas.