While the old swamp lands of Homebush might have had its share of billabongs in its time, the women’s national soccer team, the Matildas were certainly dancing to a superior waltz with Samantha Kerr’s spirit If not the Jolly Swagman’s ghost on Thursday night as it tiptoed to victory at the start of the Women’s World Cup. (Kerr-ve ball, 21/7). Squatting on a thoroughbred score of one-nil, the determined Aussies were troopers one-two-three in defence. While the prize for success could be a gold trophy in a few weeks, the team kept their tempers in check with no “billy boiling” and the thing closest to a jumbuck on the field was the goal-stopping aerobics of a seriously focused defence. A World Cup trophy, stuffed in their team tucker bag after a heroic championship win might well deserve its own song. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 24July2023.