The St Kilda Sharks have moved into third position on the Premier Division ladder after overcoming Diamond Creek in an action-packed Round 7, writes Bess Keaney
In other matches, Darebin proved far too strong for Melbourne Uni, while Eastern Devils cruised to a big win over VU St Albans.
Sharks hit form
The St Kilda Sharks have shrugged off a slow start to post big win over Diamond Creek and climb into outright third on the Premier Division ladder.
The Sharks registered just three behinds in the first quarter, but recovered to prevail 12.15 (87) to 5.5 (35) at home.
Trailing by 17 points at the first break, the Sharks halted the Creekers’ momentum in the second quarter, kicking three goals nine and conceding just two behinds.
Disappointingly for Diamond Creek, the glimpses of season-best ball movement in the first term couldn’t be sustained for the full four quarters.
St Kilda’s signature physical pressure was telling, kicking nine goals in the second half to power to victory.
Goal scoring duties for the Sharks were shared among seven players, with Moana Hope finishing with four to extend her lead as the league’s most reliable boot.
Brittany Bonnici and Brianna Davey were also instrumental in the side’s win, finding plenty of the football and delivering it with precision.
Diamond Creek’s defenders put in a gutsy performance, with Charlotte Dillon, Laura Corrigan and Lauren Morecroft amongst their best.
Tiarna Ersnt was also strong in the ruck and never stopped competing.
The win comes at perfect time for the Sharks, with a similar intensity required when they face competition leaders Darebin next week.
Diamond Creek will be desperate for the four points to stay in touch with the top four when they meet an in-form Eastern Devils side.
Darebin too good for Melbourne Uni
Darebin put in a convincing performance at home on Sunday, prevailing 16.10 (106) over Melbourne Uni 4.4 (28).
Eager to reverse their round two result against the Mugars, the home side came out strong, kicking five goals to nil to lead by 28 points at the first break.
The Mugars struggled to get back into the match, averaging just one goal per quarter.
Rebecca Privitelli and Aasta O’Connor were instrumental in the Falcons’ performance, while five goals apiece from Darcy Vescio and Katie Brennan saw the home side run away with the game.
The Mugars shared the goals among four players, with Madeline Keryk, Kaitlyn Ashmore and Emma Kearney among their side’s best.
It was a disappointing result for the Mugars, who had outperformed Darebin in their round two meeting.
Melbourne Uni will be looking for points against VU St Albans next week, to stay in contact with the top four. Darebin will host St Kilda at home.
Eastern Devils beat VU at home
The Eastern Devils overcame VU St Albans at home on Sunday, kicking 15.13 (103) to 4.5 (29).
The Devils came out strong in the first quarter, kicking six goals while keeping the Spurs scoreless.
The visitors recovered in the second quarter to outscore the home side by two points, but still trailed the Devils into the main break.
The home side again found momentum in the third quarter, kicking four goals five to pull away on the scoreboard.
Two final quarter goals from the Spurs wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Sarah D’Arcy was instrumental in her side’s win, kicking four goals and setting up several others.
Four goals from Sarah Perkins and strong performances on field from Sarah McNamara and Jaimee Lambert also helped the Devils over the line.
Alexandra Quigley, Amy Harrison and Bree White fought hard for the Spurs, with Brooke Eley finishing with two goals.
St Albans will be looking for a positive result when they host Melbourne Uni next week, while the Devils take on Diamond Creek.
Photo courtesy of Russell Canham
Last Modified on 15/06/2015 16:10