Trobers join Div 1 as Stars, Sharks continue dominance

Sarah Ward

Round 4 welcomed a new side to the Division 1 competition in La Trobe University. Both Old Scotch and Beaumaris continue to showcase their dominance, marching into Round 5 undefeated. Old Mentonian’s secured a first win for the season and Old Brighton their second win, moving up to third on the competitive Division 1 ladder.

OLD HAILEYBURY V BEAUMARIS

Beaumaris continue their winning streak after booting 48 points to Old Haileybury’s 30 at Princes Park. Solidifying themselves in second position on the ladder on percentage, the Sharks along with Old Scotch are setting the benchmark for the competition. The Hearts started strong, entering quarter time leading by 5 points. From there, the Sharks regained control and went into half time in the lead by a narrow 13-point margin. The Hearts battled to regain composure and had a strong third quarter, reducing the margin to 7-points. Ultimately, the Sharks proved too strong and managed to kick away from the Hearts, with the likes of consistent goal-scorer Thea Brown converting three majors. Complementing Brown were the classy skillsets of Elise Thompson and Deborah Jarvis. For the Hearts, the valiant performance of Anna Mairead Stewart, places her once again as a best on in her side. Danielle Frawley was also named in the best, kicking two goals for the Hearts.

SCOTCH V IVANHOE

Old Scotch have cemented themselves at the top of the ladder after a comprehensive win at Camberwell Sports Ground, overcoming Ivanhoe by 60-points. A strong team performance by the Stars, with strong pressure on the ball carrier, quality skills, high tackling rate and solid structure proved too dominant for the Ivies. In her second game back for the season, Lily Goss kicked three goals for the Stars. Kate Hunter-Scott was superb and provided a plethora of opportunities for the likes of Anna Hayes to create options in the forward 50 for the Stars. Maxine Wells also featured, playing a composed game enabling her to service the forwards with precision and accuracy. For the Ivies, the valiant efforts of Hannah Slaughter, Georgia Aanensen and Emilia Bisogni did not go unnoticed. The Ivies were wounded with Ashton Bridge going down with a knee injury. Bridge will get scans and hopefully it is not as serious as first feared.

LA TROBE V OLD MENTONIANS

In their first battle in the Division 1 competition, La Trobe University faced off against Old Mentonians at La Trobe University, going down by a mere 10-points. The Panthers set up well behind the ball and utilised quick ball movement allowing the forwards to have space, time and opportunity to convert on the scoreboard. The Panthers entered half time in the lead by a narrow 8-points. Belinda Griffiths starred for the Panthers, booting two goals, while Ciara Scott proved too strong on the half-back for any counter attacks by the Trobers. Naomi Linossier also played brilliantly on the half-back, taking several crucial contested marks, ultimately keeping the Trobers goalless in the final quarter. For the new side, Stefania Velona, Amy Dunn and Antonietta D’Angelo impressed for the Trobers.

OLD BRIGHTON V HAWTHORN AFC

Old Brighton have registered their second win for the season, comprehensively beating Hawthorn by 63-points in windy conditions at Brighton Beach Oval. Hawthorn had no answers for the Tonners’ dynamic performance, managing only to hit the scoreboard with a point in the fourth quarter. This is a testament to the strong and structured defence of the Tonners, who made it extremely difficult for the Hawks to penetrate. The Tonners built upon the performance of each quarter, dominating the clearances and running with the ball, which created a plethora of opportunities for the forwards. Lucy Grant was the leading goal-scorer, kicking three goals for the Tonners, while Emily Grant and Siena Visentini shone in the tough conditions. For the Hawks, Kelly Clark, Sarah Delbosc and Georgia du Plessis played courageously in defence, placing them in the best for their side.