Another round of North West football saw some thrilling results and some blow outs, as both divisions’ final four has started to take shape.
In Division One, North Ballarat provided Bendigo with their sternest challenge to date. Up at Eureka Stadium, Laura Bailey and Nicole Hildebrand were influential for the Eagles, as they rebounded from a scoreless first half to kick two goals in the third quarter. Two goals to Thunder spearhead Alana Wearne gave her side a 33-point win, on a day the league-leaders didn’t have it all their own way. Hayley Trevean continued her fine form from May, named best on ground for Bendigo.
The vast space of Grant Reserve provided another low-scoring contest, with Altona unable to complete a comeback against La Trobe. The Uni girls kicked away to an early lead, and hung on for a 10-point win. Only five goals were scored between the sides, with some inaccuracy in front of goal proving costly. The usual suspects again led the way for the Vikings – Ebony Watkins, Belinda Ousley and Shae-Lee Murphy Burke all again among the best. For the Trobers, Madeleine Goodman starred, and found support from Emily Flavel as their side moved into 2nd spot on the ladder.
North Geelong recorded its second win in succession, a big premiership quarter paving the way for a one goal win over Sunbury. A three-goal-to-one third quarter from the home side was the difference, as ruck Cassandra Hynes again starred and Hayley Wray also impressed. Emily Davison kicked two for the Magpies, while Natasha Hardy equalled that effort for the Lions as her side’s best player.
The Lions now sit 4th, two games above 5th placed North Ballarat, who take on bottom side Altona after the break. Sunbury take on the Trobers (2nd), while in their rich vein of form, North Geelong will be hoping to push the Thunder.
In Divison Two, after a competitive opening term, Pascoe Vale had little trouble overcoming Wyndhamvale at home - plundering the scoreboard on their way to a 79-point win. Rachel Gastin starred again for the Panthers, while Amanda Laidlaw kicked five for the second successive week, taking her season tally to 23. The Panthers experience proved vital in trying conditions against a young Vales outfit. The visitors were well served by Nicole Elliott and Bridget Russo.
Jacana’s finals hopes are slipping away, after a narrow 13-point loss to Melton Centrals opened up a two-game gap between 4th and 5th. With only four goals kicked for the game, and only three points separating the sides at half time, it was a match that could have gone either way. Pace proved pivotal – with Centrals’ dynamic midfielder Lucy Lenius starring, and Jaguars’ star Cassie Wilson providing her side with the same boost. Ashleigh Ashman kicked Jacana’s only goal, while Charlene Agius and Kareena Jacobsen-Logan were also influential in the Melton win.
In the next round of fixtures, Jacana will still be searching for a win when they host Deer Park, while the Falcons will welcome back the experience of Kerry Saunders for their clash against Melton, which could decide who finishes 3rd and 4th. Pascoe Vale has the bye, sitting comfortably on top of the ladder.
Last Modified on 05/06/2013 20:32