Round 1 of VAFA Women’s kicks off

Nicole Erasmus

WOMEN’S PREMIER

Caulfield Grammarians made a good start to their Women’s Premier season with a seven-point win over Melbourne University at Glenhuntly Oval. Both teams went into the fourth quarter on equal terms at 12 apiece, but Caulfield were able to slightly edge out their opponents. Caulfield’s Alex Thompson shone and helped her team take home the points.

Old Trinity came out victorious at Xavier College after they defeated Old Xaverians 49-14. A four goal to one second half proved too good for the Xavs and secured their first win under their new division. Old Trinity’s Claire Messent and Lucy Aitken had a field day with a combined five goals between them.

A low scoring affair saw Marcellin OC defeat Brunswick Renegades by three points at Alec Gillon Oval. Although a relatively even contest throughout, the Renegades scored their first major in the final term, which proved too little to late. Marcellin’s Alana Pane shone while Kelly Dungate scored Brunswick’s only goal and was one of their best on ground.

Fitzroy-ACU vs SKOB Saints: results not available

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 1

Spectators of Princes Park Oval witnesses Old Haileybury edge out Old Brighton with a four-point win. A strong four-quarter performance from both sides saw Old Haileybury slightly better than their tenacious opponents. Jordan Shanks was one of the best for Old Haileybury while Caterina O’Brien was best for Old Brighton.

After being behind up until the third quarter break, Brunswick managed to comeback and defeat St Mary’s Salesian by 17 points at Ferndale Park. St Mary’s made a fast start and were in good stead to take home the points, but a four-goal haul from West Brunswick’s Brighdin Walsh proved more than enough to stop them.

A two-goal to none second quarter helped Old Geelong to an 11-point win over Ormond AFC at E.E Gunn Reserve. Ormond gave their opponent a slight scare in the third term, but Old Geelong remained composed and was able to get the win. Ormond’s Shelly Gwynne and Old Geelong’s Annabelle Shannon were some of the best on the day.

Beaumaris once again showcased and reaffirmed their dominance with a 71-16 point win against Monash Blues at Banksia Reserve. Beaumaris’ 11 goals to two for the entirety of the game was more than enough to secure the win. Thea Brown, Alana Gadsby and Stephanie Bornyan were all multiple goal scorers for Beaumaris.

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 2

Uhs-VU AFC had a huge 57-point win against Ivanhoe AFC at Brens Oval. Uhs scored 10 majors and held Ivanhoe to none going into the final term. With a final score of 78 to 21, Uhs-VU AFC’s Mara McSweeney booted four goals.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers were able to edge out Old Carey with a one-point thriller at Southern Rd Oval. It was smooth sailing for the Tigers up until the final term when Old Carey piled on the goals to give them a good scare. Stand out performances from Genevieve Barns-Dunne and Bridie Malone assisted in the one-point win.

A quick start of four goals to none shaped the 50-point win for Collegians over Oakleigh at Kennedy Oval. Collegians steadily increased their score throughout the remainder of the game while Oakleigh made a slow impact to their scoreboard. Bianca Horsley and Lucy Cutts scored two goals each for Collegians.

Another dominant performance saw Old Camberwell victorious over Yarra Old Grammarians at Doncaster Reserve with a 66-11 point win. It was Old Camberwell’s Eloise Defina’s day after she booted six of her teams nine goals.

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 3

Hampton Rovers proved slightly too good for Therry Penola with a 28-12 point win at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. The low scoring contest saw the inaccurate with 10 behinds, but still victorious. Therry Penola’s Hannah Ryan was best on ground for her side.

Old Mentonians vs Melbourne University: results not available

Ajax secured their first win against Mazenod OC at Mazenod College. The 48-point victors shot away in the second half with six goals to none. Carina Lawrence and Ally Bild booted five of Ajax’s eight goals for the day.

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 4

A four-goal to two second half helped Hawthorn AFC to a 23-point win over Bulleen Templestowe at Bullen Park West Oval. After a slow first half for both sides, the Hawthorn girls increased their intensity and managed to run away in the final term. Bulleen Templestowe’s Sophie Freeman and Hawthorns Alana Sarec were amongst the best for the four quarters.

De La Salle notched their first win for the season after defeating Fitzroy FC by 18 points at Waverley Oval. De La was able to keep Fitzroy from scoring any majors across the four quarters. Leanne Browne shone and kicked both of De La Salle’s goals.

Swinburne University AFC defeated Brunswick Renegades by 25 points at Alec Gillon Oval. The Renegades were unable to score any goals while Swinburne, who were dangerous up forward but inaccurate, managed to score two goals.

Four goals to none saw the SKOB Saints victorious over Canterbury Football Club with a 35-9 point win at Canterbury Sportsground. A dominant first half shaped the win for the Saints, with stand out performances from Elena Edgewood, Ebony Davies and Chloe Hunt.

A combined five-goal haul from Rachel Daymond and Bree-Anne Pagonis helped South Melbourne Districts to a 45-point win over St Mary’s Salesian at Ferndale Park. St Mary’s were unable to maintain the same intensity as their opponent, who scored four goals in the second quarter and another four in the final quarter. South Melbourne’s Daniela Minutoli and St Mary’s Eliza Tivendale were best on for the day.