In the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 1 Women’s Qualifying Final, Diamond Creek Women’s and Montmorency delivered an August classic in perfect conditions at Tony Sheehan Oval on Sunday, with the Creekers holding on for a five-point triumph.
Not much separated the two sides throughout the day. In the end, it was Diamond Creek who stood tall when it mattered most, edging out the Pies 5.7 (37) to 5.2 (32).
Diamond Creek will now play St Mary’s for a place in the Grand Final, whilst Montmorency will take on Heidelberg in a bid to keep their season alive.
Montmorency started with intent and urgency, hitting the scoreboard first through Jessica Nursey, who capitalised after the Pies won the opening clearance thanks to dominant ruck work from Emily Gallagher.
Their pressure was fierce early, and they controlled territory throughout the first five minutes. However despite their dominance, the Pies couldn’t quite connect going inside 50.
Diamond Creek, under siege early, worked their way into the game by using quick hands to break out of defence before switching play with precise foot skills.
Captain Maykaylah Appleby provided the highlight of the term, slotting an incredible running goal from the boundary, about 40 metres out. That sparked the Creekers into action.
Despite Montmorency’s control early, it was Diamond Creek who made the most of limited opportunities. At quarter time, the Creekers led by seven points
The second quarter opened with a Diamond Creek surge, but Montmorency’s defence held firm, led by Lani Ward who repeatedly intercepted forward entries throughout the quarter and match.
The quarter was largely contested and played between the arcs, with both sides aiming to rebound effectively at times and tightening up defensively.
Eventually, Montmorency broke the deadlock with a clever kick to the top of the square that found Jessica Simpson, who marked strongly and converted confidently.
However, Diamond Creek responded before halftime, as Thorp, after some early misses, converted a set shot to help the Creekers reclaim their lead by two points at the main break.
The third quarter, often referred to as the “premiership quarter,” lived up to its name with relentless pressure from both sides.
Diamond Creek had early chances before Montmorency lifted their intensity, especially inside 50, and Jessica Nursey continued to impress with her work rate and link-up play from defence into attack.
Neither side could find the goals early in the term, and ten minutes passed without a major score.
Eventually, Thorp managed to sneak out the back and kick her second goal, extending the Creekers’ lead to 10 points.
As the momentum started to swing in the Creekers favour, Nursey struck again for Montmorency, running into an open goal to kick her second and reduce the margin to five points at three-quarter time.
The last quarter was a war of attrition, with every contest fiercely fought. Diamond Creek Women’s landed the first blow as Lauren Durante pushed the margin back to 11 points.
Madeline Gallagher continued her outstanding game for the Pies, winning clearances and setting up forward attacks. But Diamond Creek’s backline, anchored by the ever-reliable Stacey Cross, refused to crack.
Montmorency had more of the ball in the final quarter but struggled to find space inside 50. They finally hit back with a crucial goal that reduced the margin to just three points with minutes to go, keeping the contest alive.
Madeline Ellis had a superb final term, providing rebound and clean disposal, while Nursey remained relentless around the ball. Lani Ward continued her rock-solid defensive performance, but it was too little too late for the Pies.
The siren sounded with Monty pressing, but the Creekers held on to win an epic qualifying final by five points.
