The senior women’s competition is heating up, with finals spots still up for grabs following Round 12 action over the weekend.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Montmorency 1 produced a statement making 54-point win over ladder leaders Diamond Creek Women’s 1 at Montmorency Park on Friday night. The Magpies led by four and 13 points in at the quarter time and half time breaks respectively, before firing six unanswered goals in the second half to finish 9.16 (70) to 2.4 (16) victors, claiming their third straight triumph in the process. Grace Robinson finished with a season-high three majors while Shae Collinson was the home side’s best. Allanah Watts and Stefini Buzzini were the two standouts for the Creekers in their first defeat since Round 6.
A strong opening half propelled Heidelberg to a terrific 14-point victory over St Mary’s in their top four battle at Whatmough Park. Read the full match report by clicking here.
Banyule made it back-to-back wins to keep their top four hopes alive, following a 19-point triumph over Darebin 1 at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Falcons started the match well, keeping the Bears scoreless to quarter time, before the away side fired back to kick five of the last six goals of the game, winning 5.6 (36) to 2.5 (17). Mikalee Maroney and Hayley Moxon starred in the victory for Banyule, particularly in the second half, while the Falcons saw great efforts from Hannah Rutherford and Karmen Wong.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
A narrow two-point win for Darebin 2 sees them remain in the finals race, defeating Whittlesea at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Eagles were the side to hold tight leads throughout the first half, with a one-point advantage at the main break, before a great third term put the Falcons 10 points to the good at three quarter time. The visitors fought hard in the last term, but managed 1.2 for the quarter, falling short in the 3.4 (22) to 2.8 (20) result. Autumn Robinson’s two majors were vital in the home side’s triumph while Darcy Pingitore also played well, contributing the side’s other major. Hayley Osborne was impressive for Whittlesea despite the defeat,
West Preston-Lakeside take another step closer to the minor premiership after a comfortable 50-point win over Greensborough at J.E. Moore Park. A four-goal to nil opening half and a five-goal to two second half helped the Roosters ease their way to a 9.10 (64) to 2.2 (14) victory, maintaining their unbeaten run since joining Division 2. Molly McErlain and Michelle Millhouse finished as the winning side’s best, with Trinity Mills and Chloe Oakley kicking two majors apiece. The Boro were gallant despite fielding just 16 players for the match. Sheridan Blizzard and Amy Vine were some that produced solid performances.
Lower Plenty were simply outstanding in their clash with Montmorency 2 at Montmorency Park South Oval, producing a 105-point triumph. The Bears were relentless throughout the afternoon, with two nine goal halves proving too much for the Magpies in an 18.10 (118) to 2.1 (13) victory. Incredibly for the second time in 2024, Amelia Mullane produced a seven-goal performance up forward, while teammate Ava Gaskett played one of her best games of the season. Jessica Campbell was a shining light for the visiting Magpies.
Ivanhoe extended their unbeaten streak to seven games, after defeating Mernda by 64 points at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Ivies had all the answers against a Demons side who fielded just 16 players for the match, kicking at least two goals in each quarter to win 10.10 (70) to 1.0 (6). Anna Williams finished in her side’s best for the eighth time in 2024, meanwhile Georgia Pirdis now has 42 goals in 10 matches after another four majors yesterday afternoon. Gulia Ceravolo was a standout for the home side.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Panton Hill made it consecutive 100+ point wins as they continue to charge towards a top three finish, this time defeating Epping by 111 points at Epping Recreational Reserve. The Blues were kept scoreless throughout the match, while the Redbacks fired home 26 scoring shots in the 17.9 (111) to 0.0 (0) win. Bridie Groves replicated her performance from a fortnight ago with another five-goal effort, while Nicole Brown also finished with four majors. Emma Cranston and Ruby McGillien were the Blues’ best.
Hurstbridge continued their wanning ways after edging Diamond Creek Women’s 2 by 12 points at Ben Frilay Oval. The game remained in reach for the Creekers throughout despite the Bridges leading at each break, with the home side eventually doing enough to finish 4.5 (29) to 2.5 (17) winners. Kristy Steven was superb and kicked two of her side’s four majors in the victory. Lauren Watson also impressed for Hurstbridge, while the visitors’ Imogen Hammond and Bentley Butler stood tall in the loss.
Heidelberg West had no issues in their trip to Greenhill Reserve, ending the round on top of the ladder again after a 40-point victory over Wallan. The Hawks produced their highest score since Round 8 in the 7.6 (48) to 1.2 (8) win, which sees them cling onto top position with two games remaining. Chloe Rowan was her side’s only multiple goalkicker in a best on ground performance for the visitors, while Emily O’Keefe made it an incredible seven consecutive appearances in her side’s best with another influential game. Macey Kubeil played well for Wallan.
North Heidelberg have all but locked in a maiden finals berth in the women’s competition after a narrow 27-point win over Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve. The Bulldogs kept the Power scoreless until three quarter time on their way to being on the right end of a 5.9 (39) to 2.0 (12) result. Captain Teresa Cassar led from the front, and finished the afternoon with a season-high of three goals to make it four straight matches where she has hit the scoreboard. Stephanie Crook and Holly Pitts were best on for the Power in what was an improved effort from the side.
