By: Lachy SHIRLEY

ROUND three of the Geelong Region Women’s Division 1 league kicked off last Saturday at the slightly earlier timeslot of 1pm when last year’s Grand Finalists Barwon hosted debutante club Geelong Rangers at Grovedale Reserve.

PHOTO: Drysdale players in a team huddle, picture taken from a game earlier in the current season. Last weekend Drysdale destroyed Surf Coast 7-1 to return to the top four for the first time this year. (Photo courtesy of Drysdale SC’s Facebook page).

In an absorbing battle, the points were shared between the two with the game ultimately finishing up 3-3.

Rangers’ Lara Heric scored a memorable hat-trick for the visitors but unfortunately for them it wasn’t enough to secure the three points. Jessica Kenyon, with a brace, and Michaela Buchanan contributed to Barwon’s tally of three goals.

Reigning minor premiers Drysdale did not have any mercy whatsoever on Surf Coast, defeating the hosts 7-1 at the Banyul Warri Reserve complex in Torquay North.

Kathryn Deller, Jennifer Hogan, Polly Marshall, Shannon Daffy, Olivia Smith and Serena Stephens (who scored a brace), all found themselves on the scoresheet for Drysdale, while Surf Coast did not submit its lone goalscorer.

Kardinia College was left stunned in its first game for the season, after being emphatically defeated by the visiting Bell Park to the tune of 10-3.

Elizabeth Sarcevic, Ashleigh Berginc, Nicole Milinkovic, and Conique Pirrottina all contributed to Bell Parks impressive 10 goals. Sarcevic scored four, Berginc netted a hat-trick, Milinkovic scored a brace and Pirrottina scored one in the spectacular victory which shot the newly promoted Batesford based team to the top of the competition standings.

Holly Ryan scored the opening goal of the game for Kardinia within the first minute, while the names of the other two goalscorers’ were not submitted by the club.

Deakin Ducks did not play this week as they had the bye.

Following the completion of Round 3, Bell Park sits atop the standings with 7 points, three clear of Rangers and Deakin, although Deakin does have a game in hand. Drysdale with three points completes the top four.

Lachlan Shirley is a young SEDA student, currently doing work experience with FFV Geelong. He will be compiling regular weekly reports on the Geelong Region Men’s and Women’s Division 1 competitions.