By: Matt Young
With just three rounds remaining in the inaugural Deakin Uni Senior Women’s Competition we review the Round 12 action as the top four starts to take shape.
Knox 10.15- 75 defeated Heathmont 0.9- 9
Knox hosted Heathmont at Shultz Reserve with Heathmont needing a win to stay in the race for finals action. It was a windy affair and Heathmont were not able to make the most of its opportunities in front of goal.
Both sides struggled kicking into the fierce wind but Knox was able to make the most of its time with the breeze as it kicked away to a 10-goal victory.
Emma Gospel was best on ground for Heathmont from Jess Saunders, Tayla Robbins and Katerina Davey.
After its Saturday afternoon triumph, the Knox ladies look bound for finals football with Taylah Sutherland finding form at the right time of the year with a season high four goals. Eilish Devers and Emily Vine were among the best players for Knox.
Upper Ferntree Gully 8.14- 62 defeated Chirnside Park 2.6- 18
Upper Ferntree Gully provided the biggest upset of Round 12 as it notched up its second victory for the season over fifth placed Chirnside Park.
Rebecca Ainsworth wasn’t troubled by the difficult conditions as she kicked two goals for Upper Ferntree Gully. Samantha De Bono Temopoulos was best on ground for the winners with support from Jacquelyn Bromilow, Melinda Cottrell, Emily Scarlett and Emily Grano in the best all-round team performance thus far for the ’Gully in its debut season.
Bayswater 16.19- 115 defeated Yarra Junction 0.0- 0
After a challenging year in 2016 in the VWFL, Bayswater has locked in a finals berth in the Deakin Uni Senior Women’s Competition. After dropping just two matches this year – both of those to the undefeated Mt Evelyn – Bayswater continued its winning ways with a comprehensive victory over Yarra Junction.
Bayswater coach Maurice Kouvaras was delighted with the progress his side has made in 2017 after a few lean years.
“These girls, they can’t believe it, they have been hammered for years and hardly ever win a game, to say we are actually going to play finals, we are very very hungry,” Kouvaras said.
Kirstie Aqualina and Brenda Lay led the way in a dominant team performance. Forward duo Leesa McShane and Chelsea Mammone were outstanding as they each booted five goals on the way to Bayswater’s ninth win for the season.
Bayswater’s Melissa Bock was trialled in the ruck for the first time this season and made an enormous contribution in the hit-outs allowing her team to control the match from the middle of the ground.
Baywater will be hoping to continue its improvement as it faces Heathmont in Round 13.
Norwood 2.5- 17 defeated by Waverley Blues 6.9- 45
Norwood hosted the Waverley Blues in Round 12, with Waverley able to hang on to third spot on the Deakin Uni Senior Women’s Ladder with a hard-fought victory. The Blues are on track for a finals appearance in the club’s first season fielding a women’s team.
Waverley Coach Chris Goldstraw was pleased with how the side played.
“It was our best game of the year,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see such a complete performance by all players.”
Charlotte Krelle was outstanding for the Blues providing strong run off the wing and thrusting her side forward with six inside 50s for the second half, Krelle capped off her best on ground performance with a superb goal on the angle to notch her first major of the season.
Young gun Shannon Bone continues to be a revelation for the Blues since filling in for the women’s side after a call-up from the Blues under-16 squad. Bone kicked another three goals as her tally climbs to 13 goals from just four matches for the 16-year-old.
Waverley continue their quest for finals action next week as it takes on Chirnside Park in what shapes to be a critical match in the race for a finals berth.
