Gryphons edge out Power House to remain atop the ladder

Things are heating up in the Division 2 Women’s competition as all teams kick into gear as the race to finals ramps up. With the number of rounds remaining able to be counted on one hand, every win from here on out is all the more important. Whitefriars, understanding the gravity, secured a narrow 2-point victory while the Glen Eira Gryphons also managed to hold on, outlasting a fiery Power House.

On a wet and woeful Winter’s morning, Oakleigh record their fourth win on the trot to position themselves in finals contention as we head for the home straight. Unable to compete with the cohesive attacking style of play brought by the Krushers, Old Camberwell/AJAX are left still searching for victory.

The slippery conditions made it all the more difficult to keep a hold of the Sherrin, with Old Camberwell/AJAX unable to hit the scoreboard until the second half, in which they recorded a single behind for the match.

Oakleigh had much of the footy early on, to give themselves a comfortable lead. Recording 21 points to half time was a significant advantage in wet weather footy, whereby scoring opportunities proved hard to come by for the opposition. Alas, it was too much of a lead to claw back.

Hayley Mrocki was a stand out for the home side in her 100^th game for AJAX. Meanwhile, Oakleigh’s 5 majors came off the boot of five individual goal kickers, with the likes of Pia Hobday and Ruby Ford standouts for the Krushers on the day.

Whitefriars hosted Richmond Central in what proved to be a tight tussle of the middle order. The contest was neck and neck for the full four quarters, with Whitefriars just edging out the Snakes by 2 points.

Richmond took a marginal lead at the first break after a relatively high scoring opening term. From there, the rain set in, and the scoring shots were few and far between. Rushed behinds seemed to be the nature of play and were ultimately the decider. A third goal each way came in the last quarter.

Richmond’s skipper, Mia Hyde-Smith, was a standout for the travelling side, taking charge to score the three goals for the day. Maeve Bohanna, Clare Fernandes, and Toni Robb each contributed a single major for the Friars, while Laura Mimmo and Lizzy Yore featured in the best.

This win keeps Whitefriars comfortably in fifth four now, nipping at the heels of the top four.

Determined to get back on the winners list and back to their best standard of footy, Hawthorn caused an upset on home soil over a strong Old Trinity. Hawthorn was defiant in their resurgence in Div 2 Women’s, producing some of their season best footy as they look to stamp their mark back in the competition.

The Hawks soared to a 38-point win over the T’s, slotting 7 goals for the day, while most impressively restricting their opponents to just the single major through the big sticks.

Joelly Firmin had a breakout performance, kicking her first bag of multiple goals for the season. Adding to Firmin’s 3, Emily Truscott finished with 2 goals of her own.

Despite Hawthorn unable to register a score in the final term, they had well and truly done enough to secure a comfortable victory at home.

Natasha Borash was important for Old Trinity on a tough day while Lara Young delivered the lone goal.

Hampton Rovers travelled to face Mazenod, securing their eighth win of the season to remain comfortably in the race to finals. Despite a slow start on the scoreboard, The Rovers had the upper hand from the outset, dictating the terms of the match to charge home to a 26-point victory.

Mazenod had a few opportunities on goal early in the match, although were unable to convert their first major until the third term. While the Rovers hit the scoreboard in every quarter, extending their lead at each change.

Zoe Spicer managed the goal scoring for Mazenod, while Stephanie Rogers and Emily Skrzyniarz put together their best performances.

Matilda Clarkson, Isabella Cameron, and Kiera Geddes all impressed for Hampton Rovers to secure their side a strong win on the road.

Rounding out the weekend, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon hosted Power House for twilight footy at Packer Park, in a top 4 clash.

It was a slow start with a goal each way, before the gryphons doubled their score in the second, taking a 6-point advantage at the main break.

This low scoring contest continued for duration right until that final siren where the Gryphons walked away victorious 3.5 (23) to 3.1 (19).

Aleesha Whittle scored 2 for the day, aptly supported by Eliza Morrison with 1. Joining the girls in the best with standout performances were Sarah Fitzpatrick and Gemma Strangio from Glen Eira.

At the other end, Catherine Bartholomew, Kate Coyle, and Michaela Di Lecce contributed a goal each, while the every-reliable Grace Read dominated yet again.

With just five rounds of the season remaining, teams are starting to make their moves, with 6 sides still very much in finals contention, with the top 4 not yet locked and loaded.

An intriguing matchup to launch Round 12 will see top of the table Glen Eira/Old McKinnon take on third placed Oakleigh, who cannot afford to be losing games at this stage with just 2 points separating them from second, and the same down to fourth.

Power House will be looking to get back on the winners list when they host Richmond Central, with the threat of Whitefriars nipping at their heels to break into the top 4.

Mazenod will come up against Hawthorn, while Old Camberwell/AJAX will host Whitefriars at Gary Smorgon Oval. Old Trinity will face an in-form Hampton Rovers for the first time this season.