Gippsland Galaxy played out its first home victory of season 2016 by defeating St Kevin’s at Traralgon Recreation Reserve last Sunday.
The overnight rain and wind made it hard for both sides in the first quarter, but with Gippsland winning the toss and electing to kick with the wind, the home side opened up a handy 30-point lead thanks largely to three goals from first gamer Kate French.
The Galaxy returned in the second quarter looking to consolidate its advantage and did just that, locking down the opposition forwards and keeping them scoreless while managing to boot two goals against the wind.
Galaxy coach Nikki Schroeter was all smiles at half-time, with her side holding a 42-point lead.
“I’m really impressed with our defence and the pressure we are putting on our opposition and to keep them to one goal in a half of football is really pleasing,” Schroeter said.
The rain started to fall in the second half which made it harder for both sides to score but it was the Galaxy’s first half scoring that did the damage and with five second half goals ran out eventual winners 13.4 (82) to 2.4 (16).
Galaxy coach Nikki Schroeter praised her side’s teamwork in what was an all round performance.
“We were able to try a few players in different positions which was pleasing and I was really happy with our solid defence and the fact that we were able to share the goals around and not rely on one forward all the time,” Schroeter said.
Along with French’s three goals, Danni Pearce and Emily Jolly were able to add two goals with singles to Schroeter, Rachel Drenen and Brodi Pedretti, Natasha Tile, Fiona Morrow and Sarah Jolly while Kim Cunico was awarded best on ground for her efforts.
Gippsland face last year’s division five grand finalist and fierce rival Ajax at Traralgon Recreation Reserve.
Last Modified on 02/05/2016 17:05
