Two sides justified their promotions into higher grades with a win while we saw some tight encounters across all three NFNL women’s competitions on Mother’s Day.
Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1
Banyule have wasted no time in settling in Division 1 after a 14-point win over Diamond Creek Women’s 1 at A.K. Lines Reserve. The Bears led throughout the match and despite the Creekers kicking three goals to two in the final term, it wasn’t enough to stop the home side from prevailing 6.13 (49) to 5.5 (35). Megan Barnes was outstanding for the Bears alongside Ava Jordan. Zoe Bailey stood out for the reigning premiers while Linda Thorp added another two goals to her season tally.
Eltham made it back-to-back wins on Sunday, now moving to a 3-2 record to start the season after defeating Darebin 1 by 20 points at A.H. Capp Reserve. The Panthers produced an excellent first half, keeping the Falcons goalless in the opening quarter before leading by 21 at half time and then eventually claiming a 6.7 (43) to 3.5 (23) victory. Sienna Gunning continued her brilliant start to the season with another great performance. Nakita Magriplis was important for the home side while Rikki Ryan kicked two goals.
Meanwhile Montmorency 1 responded to their defeat to the Creekers last week with a thumping 116-point triumph over West Preston-Lakeside 1 at Montmorency Park North Oval. The Magpies registered 37 scoring shots while keeping the Roosters to just one major in the 17.20 (123) to 1.1 (7) victory. The home side had six multiple goal scorers, one of them being Jessica Nursey who has kicked at least one goal in all five games this year. Taylor Langford produced a terrific effort for Montmorency while Michelle Millhouse was West Preston-Lakeside’s best.
Cleaning Melbourne Division 2
St Mary’s turned around a heavy loss last week to record a big win of their own as they defeated Hurstbridge by 102 points at Ben Frilay Oval. After an already dominant first half, the Burra kicked 10 goals to nil in the second half to triumph 16.14 (110) to 1.2 (8). Megan Girolami kicked four to make it eight majors for the season with Jaydah Hope having her best game of the campaign. Natarsha Harrop was a shining light for the Bridges throughout the match.
A last quarter surge from Heidelberg saw them claim their third win of the year, finishing 23-point victors over Whittlesea at Warringal Park. Only four points separated the two teams at three quarter time, but the Tigers kicked three goals to nil in the last term to ensure a 6.4 (40) to 2.5 (17) win. Nikki Watts kicked two majors and Tessa Hankinson was dominant for the home side. The work of Annette Carle for the Eagles was impressive.
Mernda had no problems with the rise to Division 2, as showcased in their 11-point victory over the Fitzroy Stars at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Demons started well with a four goal to one first half before the Stars fought back to reduce the deficit to three points at the final break. But the home side were the better side in the last term, going on to prevail 6.7 (43) to 4.8 (32). Brooke Gibson slotted three goals for the match with Brianne Keogh also superb for the Demons. Kristen Atkinson and Jessica Bamblett were brilliant for the Stars.
NFNL Division 3 Women’s
Montmorency 2 and West Preston-Lakeside 2 produced a close encounter at Montmorency Park North Oval, with the Magpies winning by 20 points. The Magpies kicked three goals to one in the first half before a great third term from the Roosters saw them trail by just a point at three quarter time. However, the home side found another gear in the final quarter to win 7.5 (47) to 4.3 (27). Sian Capito kicked three goals for Montmorency with Caitlyn McLeod a standout. Isabel Young was the visitors’ best.
Diamond Creek Women’s 2 proved too strong for Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve, winning by 68 points. The 13.9 (87) to 3.1 (19) triumph is the Creekers’ first win in the 2023 season and is the highest score ever recorded by a Diamond Creek Women’s 2 side in the history of the NFNL women’s competition. Simone Secombe kicked a season-high five majors for the visitors, with Jorja Hoskin producing a great game, while Harper McPherson-Goulding was an impressive contributor for the Power.
Darebin 2 claimed their first win of the season after coming down from Division 2, defeating North Heidelberg by 55 points. The Bulldogs were kept scoreless by the Falcons in the 8.7 (55) to 0.0 (0) defeat, with the visitors’ Cassie Willcocks proving excellent up forward kicking three goals. For the third consecutive week, Tayissa Tibos was named as North Heidelberg’s best player in what’s looking to be a strong season.
Wallan remain undefeated after another excellent display, this time with a 40-point win over Heidelberg West at Wallan Recreational Reserve. The Magpies were impressive in the 7.5 (47) to 1.1 (7) triumph and are still yet to concede more than nine points to an opponent in 2023. Chelsea Paton was Wallan’s best while Gloria El-Armaly kicked two majors. Jessica Morris and Chloe Rowan stood out for the Hawks in what’s now their second straight defeat.
