The Eastern Devils have moved a game clear in second position on the Premier Division ladder after edging out Melbourne Uni on Sunday, writes Bess Keaney.
The Devils prevailed 6.10 (46) to 5.2 (32) in tricky conditions to maintin the pressure on ladder leaders the Darebin Falcons.
The Devils struggled to make the most of their chances early on, kicking one goal six in the first quarter to Mugars’ two goals straight, and led by just a point at half time.
Melbourne Uni applied strong pressure, and moved the ball well through the middle but lost their way after the main break to finish the third term scoreless.
Mugars recovered for a stronger fourth quarter, but couldn’t stop the Devils from securing a hard-earned victory.
After initially struggling with accuracy the Devils were able to hit targets in the second half of the game, and shared goals amongst five players. Hannah Scott, Sarah McNamara and Steph Carroll were among their sides best.
Devils Coach Brendan Major was happy with what he considered to be one of the best team performances of the season.
“Nobody shied away from the contest,” he said.
Melbourne Uni will be looking to repeat their round two victory over competition leaders Darebin after the long weekend, to stay in touch with the ladder leaders.
Darebin Falcons celebrate Hammond’s 200th game in style
Darebin Falcons honoured veteran Sarah Hammond’s 200th VWFL game with a win over Diamond Creek on Sunday, to remain a game clear on top of the Premier Division ladder.
The Falcons kicked nine goals twelve to finish 26 points ahead of the Creekers in wet conditions at Plenty War Memorial Park.
The reigning premiers started strongly and led by 22 points at the first break before the Creekers found their rhythm.
Two goals apiece from Stephanie Chiocci and Christina Bernadi helped the hosts stay in the match but every challenged appeared to be met with a quick response from the Falcons.
Sarah Hammond numbered in the Falcon’s best in her milestone game, along with Daisy Pearce and Melissa Hickey. Goals were shared among eight players, with Darcy Vescio booting two.
The Creekers, currently equal third on the ladder with three wins and three losses, will be looking to their next match against St Kilda Sharks to stay in touch with the competition leaders.
St Kilda too good for VU
St Kilda put in a strong performance against VU St Albans on Sunday, finishing 10.22 (82) over 3.5 (23) at Kings Park Reserve.
The home side were put on the back foot early but made more of their chances, kicking two straight goals in the first quarter to St. Kilda’s five goals, four behinds.
The sharks opened up the game in the second quarter, but continued to struggle with kicking in the wet conditions.
Jasmine Garner, Jess Gardner and Moana Hope each finished with two goals in the Sharks’ win, while Kylie Nicolai was the only home player to get on the board twice.
Pepa Randall and Brianna Davey were strong on field for the Sharks, each also booting a goal, with Sarah Chapman rounding out her side’s best.
Rachel Gullo, Bree White and Danni Teasedale put in good performances for the home side.
The result marked an improvement for the Spurs, narrowing the margin by 38 points from when the sides last met in round one.
The VWFL will break over the long weekend as two Victorian representative teams take to the field to mark 100 years since the first recorded game of women’s football.
The Victoria No.1 team will travel to Perth to play against WA in a curtain raiser to the Fremantle v Richmond match at Subiaco on Friday. The No.2 side will host NSW at Punt Road on Sunday afternoon at 1.40pm.
Photo courtesy of Russell Canham
Last Modified on 01/06/2015 16:20