Bendigo showed why it is the ANZ NFNL Women’s Division 1 reigning premier after returning with full force to take down Diamond Creek Women’s in Round 2.
The Thunder proved far too good for the new-look Creekers, winning 22.17 (149) to 0.0 (0) at Plenty Park.
After sitting out the first round with a bye, the win cements Bendigo as a real contender for a back-to-back premiership campaign.
Playing its first match under new coach Luis Alverus-Harris, Bendigo set the tone early, attacking the forward line which was not able to be matched by Diamond Creek’s defenders.
Bendigo’s Phoebe Cuttriss was first to get on the scoreboard, kicking the first goal of the game followed by Ebony Whiley.
Bendigo’s anchor in the backline was Jessica Ross, who held the back six together assuring Diamond Creek star midfielders Kathryn Burns and Karly Cobern had trouble finding an open player in the forward line.
Leading by 13 points at quarter time, Bendigo flicked the switch in the second quarter, attacking the forward line even more. There was much to desire with another 12 scoring shots to take a 40-point lead into the main break.
Bendigo full forward and new captain, Andrea Walsh, started her goal frenzy scoring three goals and two behinds. She was the main target once the ball entered the Bendigo forward 50m, presenting with force and showing her skills to create goals.
Diamond Creek’s Cobern maintained a strong second quarter, showing she was still fighting to mount a comeback although Diamond Creek remained scoreless up to half time.
Bendigo came out with no remorse in the third quarter piling on another 12 scoring shots, this time converting with more goals.
The Thunder added nine goals, with Walsh continuing her frenzy with another three, to take her already impressive score tally to six goals.
Bendigo midfielders Kodi Jacques and Olivia Mcevoy moved the ball through the middle smoothly, setting up scoring opportunities for midfielders running through the middle and forwards who presented well.
With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Diamond Creek started showing a brief spurt of how their backline can work, fighting hard to keep the Thunder out.
Marguerite Hickey was holding the back line together for this short spurt, connecting with Cobern.
Bendigo finished the game off strongly, booting another eight goals to cement a well-rounded four-quarter performance.
The club’s 22 goals were spread across nine players, with Andrea Walsh finishing with eight goals in a stellar individual performance.
Bendigo look to continue their success against VU Western Spurs at Weeroona Oval in Round 3.
The Spurs have started their campaign with a big win and tight loss in their opening two matches.
Diamond Creek will look to bounce back against Darebin at A.H. Capp Reserve.
Final score: Diamond Creek Women’s 0.0 (0) def by Bendigo 22.17 (149)
