St Mary’s have moved to top position on the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1 Women’s ladder following a 21-point victory over Montmorency 1 at N.J. Telfer Reserve.
In a battle between the Division 1 and Division 2 premiers from last year, it was a two goal to nil opening half that set the tone and paved the way for the Burra to prevail 4.4 (28) to 1.1 (7).
They now occupy top spot on the ladder ahead of Diamond Creek Women’s 1 and Heidelberg. All three teams share the same 4-2 record after six games, however the Burra’s superior percentage puts them ahead of the Creekers and Tigers. Meanwhile, the Magpies slip to fourth but are only one game behind the trio.
It was a midfield masterclass from the likes of Georgia Kitchell, Jessica Ryan, Brigid McEntee and Caitlin Kreuzberger that helped lead their side to victory.
The quartet all played their roles incredibly well, with Kreuzberger particularly providing many chances in the attacking half.
Others such as Lanarose Piciaone and Jemma Chesser also chipped in throughout the contest while Sarah Johnston once again led the charge up forward with two goals.
Montmorency weren’t without their contributors across the afternoon, with Isobel Shaw and Madison Boyle consistently putting in 100% in midfield. Grace Robinson finished as the away side’s only goalkicker.
At first, it was a tight tussle between both midfield lines, before St Mary’s was able to gain the ascendancy in that battle and kick the first goal 10 minutes into the opening quarter through Johnston.
Not much could separate the two teams for the following few minutes before the Burra’s defence stood firm and kept a Montmorency side who had overcome a slow start, from scoring in the final five minutes of the term.
Leading by seven points at quarter time, it was all St Mary’s for the first 15 minutes of the second quarter, with a stunning snap from Johnston eventually rewarding the Burra for their efforts during the term.
Much like the previous quarter, the hosts were able to hold a dangerous Magpies attack at bay, keeping them scoreless once again as they went into half time with an impressive 15-point advantage.
Although they didn’t have the score to show for it, Montmorency were building important momentum in the latter stages of the first half, and by maintaining their intensity at the start of the third quarter, the Magpies would eventually hit the scoreboard.
The only goal of the quarter came through Grace Robinson, who slotted her third major of the season, and it was clear Montmorency were starting to get on top in the contest.
However, as they had done all afternoon thus far, the Burra’s defence was at their best, and refused to give their opposition forwards any more good looks inside 50.
It still allowed the home side to take a lead, albeit reduced to eight points, heading into the final change and in the early stages of the last quarter, St Mary’s pounced on an opportunity which allowed Megan Girolami to find the big sticks.
With them again back out to beyond two goals, the Burra controlled the tempo of the game, forcing stoppage after stoppage to not allow the Magpies any free space around the ground.
The game would be sealed late in the fourth term through Brigid McEntee, who fired true for her first major of the 2024 campaign, putting the icing on the cake to a brilliant 21-point triumph.
