South West Firebirds reach top of the mountain again with State league three-peat

The South West Firebirds have done it again. Heading into the 2022 season having won two consecutive women’s State titles in a row, Stephen Suttie’s side made it three on Sunday after crushing Armadale SC 6-0 at Onside Sports Stadium. With three games remaining in their Hyundai women’s State league campaign, the Firebirds have an unassailable eight-point buffer over second-placed UWA Nedlands FC. Hopes were high heading into Sunday’s clash, given the visitors’ recent run of results, and this away outing was no different for them. On the back of sustained dominance, the Firebirds took the lead in the 28th minute courtesy of Lara Graham, which was her third goal in seven days. Not content with their lead, party plans well and truly were under way by half-time, following a brace inside nine minutes to Ariana Longmore-Dawson. While his side has never had any issues scoring goals, Suttie’s side have looked extra formidable with Longmore-Dawson up front this season — with 20 goals in 17 appearances a testament to her effectiveness and efficiency in and around the 18-yard box. Leading 3-0 at half-time, some sides could have been content to park the bus, however, the Firebirds were still not finished. In a memorable 11-minute burst, Longmore-Dawson completed her hat-trick, before Savannah Olsthoorn and Salli Howden-Woodland joined her on the scoresheet. For the Firebirds’ male counterparts, the South West Phoenix, hopes of surviving in State league division 2 appear almost over. Pitted against fellow cellar-dwellers Canning City on Saturday at Burrendah Reserve, the Phoenix fell to a 2-1 defeat, despite leading at half-time courtesy of a quality finish from Suttie. Unfortunately for Gareth Johnston’s men, City hit back in the second half, with Cameron Hewitt securing a dramatic winner in the fourth minute of injury time.