Clayton has held on for a thrilling four point victory over Oakleigh District in a cracking game of footy under Friday night lights at Princess Highway Reserve. With both sides coming off losses last week, this clash was crucial as the winner would jump a game clear on the ladder.
It was a tight, tough and scrappy contest for the majority of the game with plenty of girls putting their body on the line for their respective sides.
The home side found it difficult to contain Clays forward Ruzena May whose three goals went a long way to deciding the result. Amie Jackson and Jessie Collins were also instrumental for the visitors and were vital during the crucial stages.
For District it was a shattering result but Teena Mifsud was good up forward with two majors, while Jessica Szalek and Rhiann Leighton were superb all night.
Lyndhurst 0.1-1 def by Bentleigh 8.4-52
Lyndhurst’s tough start to Division 1 has continued, succumbing to the tune of 51 points at the hands of Bentleigh on Saturday afternoon. No doubt keen to atone last week’s heavy loss, the Lightning unfortunately never found themselves in the contest and were forced to call the match off after half time due to a lack of players.
Anuschka Reinhardt and Rihannin Bretherton were dynamic up forward for the Demons both kicking three goals each to stamp their authority on the contest. They were well supported by Natalie Saunders and Jaclyn Vial who controlled the play with ball in hand.
For Lyndhurst they tried their hearts out but losing several players in game unfortunately left the side at an unfair disadvantage. Before the premature end Alesha White and Jenna Edwards toiled hard to be amongst the Lightning’s best performers.
Endeavour Hills (1) 11.5-71 def East Brighton 6.5-41
Endeavour Hills (1) has registered a fantastic 30 point victory over East Brighton in a high scoring encounter at Barry Simon Reserve. It was a high quality contest right from the first bounce with both sides trading goals in an entertaining opening term.
But the home side were able to assert themselves in the second quarter, kicking four goals to two to open up a more than handy 16 point lead at the main break.
The Falcons continued on with their momentum in the second half, booting another four goals in the third term to almost put the result beyond doubt. The last quarter was a bit of stalemate as both teams managed one major each with the sting well and truly petering out of the game.
The home side found plenty of avenues towards goal all day, with four players snagging multiple majors. Samantha Richardson was the standout however, kicking three sausage rolls to be the star on the day.
The result for East Brighton, while not ideal was far from a disgrace and they’ll be eager to build from this before facing the Falcons on their home deck in Round 10. Rebekah Halprin continued to find the big sticks with three snags and Renee Hayward chipped in with two majors in a solid display.
DIVISION 2
Lyndale 9.11-65 def Mordialloc 2.1-13
Lyndale have stamped their authority with a sensational 52 point win over Mordialloc at Barry Powell Reserve. The Pumas were switched on early, kicking the first three goals in a dominant opening term which also saw them hold the visitors scoreless.
The Bloods fought back in the second stanza but the Pumas always seemed to find the answers anytime they were challenged. It was a pleasing four quarter effort for the home side with the team kicking at least two goals in each quarter throughout the day.
Danielle Noel was the main beneficiary up front slotting three goals, while Jessica McDonald chipped in with one major to go with her solid game. Jade Lyons and Tracey Sharp were also excellent all game.
For Mordialloc, Chanelle Slater and Megan Tymko never stopped trying, and Alexandra Downie slotted both goals for the team.
Murrumbeena 1.1-7 def by Hallam 4.14-38
Hallam has brushed off some wayward kicking to notch up a solid 31 point win over Murrumbeena at the Beena Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Despite controlling most of the play in the first half, the visitors were unable to capitalise on their territorial advantage, booting 3.8 in the opening half to keep the door slightly ajar for the Lions.
But their inaccuracy epidemic continued to plague them in the second half, as the Hawks kicked 1.8 to butcher any chance of a big percentage boosting win.
Despite the haphazard kicking the result is still an important one for the visitors who now find themselves in the top four. Jaimi Kerr was brilliant all game as was Natalie Horua who also kicked two majors.
For Beena, Sophie Patterson and Josephine Miller stood up for their team, while Ebony Osullivan managed to kick her first goal of the season.
Endeavour Hills (2) have come from behind to pip Doveton at the post by two points during their thrilling standalone clash at Barry Simon Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Falcons got off to a slow start after the Eagles booted the only goal of the opening stanza to make the early running.
Another strong quarter from the visitors saw them open up a two goal lead at half time after a fantastic opening half of footy. But the home side fought back in the premiership quarter, kicking the only and vitally important goal for the term.
With just five points separating the teams the match was set for a grandstand finish with the Falcons surging back into the contest.
In a see-sawing and epic final 20 minutes both teams traded goals but critically it was the Falcons who won the quarter which in turn saw them in front when the final siren blew.
The result takes Endeavour Hills to standalone leaders on the ladder with a healthy 4-1 record thus far. Hayley Cooper played a remarkable game, kicking all four goals for the side to singlehandedly drag them over the line. However if it wasn’t for Jaylan Martin and Rosa Sofra efforts it’s quite possible that the result would’ve gone the other way.
In the short term the result is a bitter pill to swallow for Doveton but they’ll be quick to dust themselves off and go again next round. Harmony Thomas was fantastic all game, finishing with three majors to almost guide the Eagles to victory.
