The Gosford Wildcats have claimed the Women’s Division Two premiership with a thrilling three point win over Penrith Ramettes at Blacktown ISP on Saturday.
The Wildcats trailed heading at the main break but a two goal to zero third quarter set up the 4.3 to 3.6 victory.
The ruck duel was always going to play a kep role in the decider and it was Gosford's Tess Muton who immediately asserted her presence from the oprning bounce. Getting first use of the football didnt allow the game to open however as both teams started with great defensive pressure in a congested opening with some heavy tackles were laid. Penrith had the better of the player during the opening quarter however were unable to capitalise, kicking four points. A resilient Gosford withstood the pressure and then went down the other end and were able to kick the only goal of the opening quarter to take a 5 point lead into quarter time.
Penrith were again the more dominant side in the second term as the game was played on their terms with some more open, free flowing football on the outside. This time the Rametes got reward for their effort with a brilliant team goal set up and finished by Nikki Perrett and one from outside 50m from Renee Tomkins giving them a 7 point lead heading into the main break.
The third term was going to be important for both sides to gain the upper hand and it was the Wildcats who grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. Gosford restricted the Ramettes opportunities to open up the play with their outside run but also managed to put points on the board with full forward Morgan Ross kicking two goals for the quarter to take back the lead by 4 points as the fourth quarter got underway.
Winger Emily Crookes played a key role in the final term with plenty of important possesions however it was Ross again with the first goal of the quarter to stretch the margin to 10 points but the Ramettes wouldn’t give up and a late Justine Vella goal gave them some hope of a comeback in the final minutes but the final siren sounded soon after to crown Wildcats premiers.
Morgan Ross finished with four goals and was judged best on ground. Midfielder Megan Lawrence and ruck Tess Mutton were also strong around the ground. For the Ramettes, ruck Renee Tomkins was impressive again in the ruck and received great support from midfielders Justine Vella and captain Nat Camilleri.
It's a great effort from the Simon Berry coaches Wildcats who are in just their second season of football showing why they are the most improved team in the competition.
Gosford Wildcats 1.3, 1.3, 3.3, 4.3 (27)
Penrith Ramettes 0.4, 2.4, 2.5, 3.6 (24)
GOALS,
Gosford Wildcats : M. Ross 4
Penrith Ramettes : N. Perrett 1, J. Vella 1, R. Tomkins 1
BEST,
Gosford Wildcats : M. Ross, T. Mutton, E. Crookes, M. Lawrence, K. Mackay, K. Smallacombe
Penrith Ramettes : R. Tomkins, J. Vella, N. Camilleri, N. Perrett, K. Easthope, S. Kostic
Last Modified on 13/09/2015 08:35
