Old Xavs join Prem B and Williamstown can’t be tamed

Kylie Lynch

Round 5 of the Women’s Prem B competition delivered a compelling narrative of competition and transformation. Following a regrading period, both team and individual brilliance illuminated the field, particularly with stellar goal-kicking performances, highlighting the league’s depth of talent and unwavering competitive spirit.

At its core, Williamstown CYMS maintained their flawless record, seizing victory against the previously undefeated Old Geelong in a highly anticipated match up. This clash not only showcased Williamstown’s resilience, but also reshaped the league’s hierarchy and was a testament to the strength of both teams, resulting in a close score line that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Williamstown showcased their dominance in the first three quarters, with standout performances across the board, and in particular from Loren Mills, who kicked an impressive four goals and earned the title of best afield.

However, Old Geelong staged a remarkable comeback in the final quarter, demonstrating their resilience and determination by kicking three goals. Players such as Matilda Arthur proved instrumental in Old Geelong’s late surge, contributing three crucial goals.

Despite Old Geelong’s strong finish, Williamstown’s early lead proved insurmountable, securing them the victory with the score of 8.10 (58) to 5.12 (42).

Fitzroy clashed with Aquinas at their home ground in a thrilling encounter. Aquinas burst out of the gates with a dominant first quarter, converting three goals and holding Fitzroy to just one.

However, Fitzroy rallied in the middle stages, showcasing their resilience with three goals apiece in the first two quarters and adding two more in the final quarter to secure a hard-fought victory over Aquinas, with the final score 9.12 (66) to 5.1 (31).

Key performances for Fitzroy included Esther Boles’ impressive hat-trick of goals, supported by Madeline MacDonald-Young and Robyn Randell, who each kicked two goals. Esther and Robyn were also instrumental in Fitzroy’s success, earning recognition as among the best on the field, along with Amelie Lay, Tess Young, Georgina Bennett, and Mia Sutherland.

Aquinas demonstrated their depth with five different goal scorers, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent present in both teams. Amongst the best for Aquinas were Niamh Sanders, Sophie Braunthal, and Millie Edwards, with impressive performances.

Additionally, the promotion of Old Xaverians from Division 1 Women’s to Prem B Women’s injected new vigour into the division. Their match up against St Bedes/Mentone Tigers was a monumental clash for the round proving their mettle in the league.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers made an assertive start, slotting two goals in each of the first two quarters and holding Old Xaverians to just one goal.

Despite Old Xaverians mounting pressure with two goals in the third quarter, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers maintained their momentum, finishing the second half with three more goals and bringing the final score to 7.12 (54) to 3.4 (22).

However, Old Xaverians’ defensive prowess was undeniable, limiting St Bedes/Mentone Tigers to 12 behinds throughout the match.

Beaumaris had an impressive start over Westbourne Grammarians in the first half, scoring three goals and restricting Westbourne to just one.

However, the tides turned in the second half as Westbourne intensified their defensive efforts and kept Beaumaris scoreless for the remainder of the match, whilst adding a goal to their own tally.

Despite coming within a single goal at the final siren, the lead Beaumaris mounted early on was too great for Westbourne to chase down; Beaumaris walking away victorious, 3.5 (23) to 2.5 (17).

Round 6 of the VAFA Premier B Women’s competition promises to deliver some significant matchups as teams vie for crucial points on the leader board.

Beaumaris will take on Aquinas at Banksia Reserve in what is expected to be an interesting matchup. Meanwhile, Westbourne Grammarians go head-to-head with St Bedes/Mentone in a matchup that will showcase the skill and determination of both sides.

Stalwarts Old Geelong square off against the newly elevated Old Xaverians, which will be a good opportunity for Old Xavs to showcase their talent against one of the competition’s top sides. Finally, Fitzroy faces off against the undefeated Williamstown CYMS in what is set to be a thrilling encounter between two strong opponents. Will Fitzroy be the team that knocks Williamstown CYMS off their undefeated perch?