Eastern Devils drop out of the four while Melbourne Uni and Diamond Creek post crucial victories in the race for finals, writes Bess Keaney.
Diamond Creek stamp their claim on finals
Diamond Creek secured an important win at home on Sunday, edging out equal-third placed Devils 10.7 (67) to 5.5 (35), to stay alive in the top four.
The loss sees the Devils slip into fifth place with only four rounds to go before finals.
Both teams came out firing under the tight circumstances, but straight kicking saw the Creekers lead by five points into the first break.
Sustained accuracy up front was matched by impressive work in the Creekers’ backline, as the home side kept the Devils to just three behinds in the second quarter.
Diamond Creek broke the game apart after the main break, continuing to win the ball across the field and finishing well up front.
This was despite strong on-field pressure from Devils Steph Carroll, Jessica Foster and Jessica Trend, and goals shared among five players.
For the home side Shae Audley was a standout on field in her 100th game.
Katie Loynes and Amelia Barden also worked well through the middle for the Creekers, with Lauren Morecroft and Tanya Hetherington mounting sustained pressure in the backline.
Diamond Creek coach Brad Lederman was pleased with what was “a really even effort across the board”.
“I couldn’t find anyone who didn’t contribute,” he said.
With four teams battling it out for the remaining finals berths, the victory was a crucial one for Diamond Creek.
“From here onwards we need to win every game,” Lederman said.
“The season’s so close this year, there are no guarantees.”
Diamond Creek will need to mount a similar four-quarter performance when they line up against equal-second Melbourne Uni next week, in a round that will surely shake up the race for finals.
The now-fifth placed Eastern Devils will be hoping to snatch points from equal-second St Kilda when they meet on Sunday, to stay in contact with the top four.
Darebin surge before finals
Darebin Falcons have continued their winning streak with a 62-point victory over St Kilda Sharks at Peanut Farm Reserve.
The visitors prevailed 16.10 (106) over 6.8 (44), to further their lead at the top of the ladder.
Darebin came out strong, kicking six goals in the first quarter to St Kilda’s two, but were kept to one goal in the second term.
The Sharks were unable to stem the flow any longer, and a re-grouped Falcons side put the game out of reach in the second half. Five goals in the last quarter secured the visitors’ win.
The loss puts a squeeze on the Sharks’ finals campaign, levelling them in equal second with Melbourne Uni and Diamond Creek.
With the match against competition leaders Darebin out of the way, St Kilda will be looking for maximum points in the final four rounds in order to shore up a top two, second-chance finals berth.
Melbourne Uni too good for VU
Melbourne Uni secured a much-needed victory over VU St Albans on Sunday, to remain equal-second on the ladder.
The Spurs struggled to get going in the match, and failed to register a goal despite glimpses of improved ball-movement.
For their part Melbourne Uni took more of their chances around the ground, with a four-goal haul from Karly Tapner giving the visitors some breathing room on the scoreboard.
The Mugars win keeps them equal on points with Diamond Creek, a dispute which will be settled in next Sunday’s clash at Melbourne Uni.
VU will be putting in a strong week on the track before lining up against competition leader’s Darebin.
Last Modified on 20/07/2015 17:07