Nicole Erasmus
Women’s Grading Group 1:
WEST BRUNSWICK v. UHS-W
West Brunswick were outstanding in their first match of VAFA Women’s as they defeated UHS-VU by 30 points at Mcalister Oval. The Westies were consistent across the board as they kicked three goals in each half, while UHS-W fought hard with a goal in each.
Women’s Grading Group 2:
MARCELLIN v. BULLEEN TEMPLESTOWE
The Marcellin Sheagles announced themselves to the competition in a big way with a massive 184-point win over Bulleen Templestowe. Marcellin came out firing with a 15-goal to one first half, thereby, setting an uphill battle for their opponent. 20 unanswered goals for the remainder of the game saw the final score at 190-6. Marcellin’s Chiara Moretta was deservedly one of the best on ground with her six goals while Tessa Zagontinos registered four.
OLD CAREY v IVANHOE
A four-goal to one first half helped Old Carey to their first win of the year, defeating Ivanhoe by 41 points at Carey Sports Complex. Leading by 21 points at three quarter time, the Panthers drove home three unanswered in the final 20 minutes to secure victory. Matilda Hubbard was the only multiple goal kicker with two for the Panthers, while Lucy Laussen, Nicole Deev and Kirra Tevelein were their best. Nannette Rogers and Georgia Aanensen starred for Ivanhoe across all four quarters.
Women’s Grading Group 3:
SKOB SAINTS v. OLD BRIGHTON
Old Brighton has made a fast start to the VAFA season defeating SKOB Saints (2) 80-1. A solid and accurate first half of seven goals and two behinds put the Tonners in a good position to take home the points. The Saints were unable to match their opponent’s intensity and scored only one-point in the first term. India Tait and Clare Cameron were best for Old Brighton while Catherine McBeth Jephcott shined for the Saints.
SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY v. SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS
A tight encounter saw South Melbourne Districts victorious over Swinburne University by just two points at St James Park. South Melbourne set the tone early with a two goal to none first quarter, but Swinburne quickly responded and went into the main break with a one-point lead. A back and forth second half went in the way of the SMD, with a final score of 32-34. South Melbourne’s Alice Rogers showcased her innate abilities in front of the sticks with two goals while Swinburne’s Hayley Wurfel was one of their best with three.
OLD XAVERIANS v. COLLEGIANS
Old Xaverians were victorious in their Round 1 match-up as they defeated Collegians 78-0 at Toorak Park. Old Xavs proved themselves as a tough opponent with a 10-goal to none one-sided scoring affair after leading by just 10 points at the first break. Mia Tiernan and Gabrielle Golds were the best for Xavs with two goals each. They are set to face Old Brighton next week while Collegians will seek redemption against Swinburne University.
Women’s Grading Group 4:
HAWTHORN AFC v. CANTERBURY FC
Hawthorn AFC recorded their first win for the season with a 34-point victory over Canterbury. A fast-paced and high scoring first quarter proved too much for their opponent as the Hawks piled on four unanswered goals. The determined Cobras outfit responded with 18 points for the remainder of the game, but Hawthorn were too good with their 52. Emily Scott, Emily Yang and Penny Brown were the Hawks’ strongest performers.
ST MARY’S SALESIAN (2) v. OLD TRINITY
Old Trinity proved dominant in their first round 109-2 win over St Mary’s Salesian at Ferndale Park. It was a scoring showcase from the T’s who piled on 16 goals from 29 scoring shots with Georgia Fleiter (five) and Ruby Long (4) kicking nine between them. Eliza Matheson and Alice McNamara were standouts for the Saints.
OLD GEELONG v. OLD CAMBERWELL
Old Geelong backed up their Lightning Premiership victory with a strong 64-point win over Old Camberwell. The Oggettes dominated in their forward half with many scoring opportunities, eight of which were converted into goals. Old Camberwell first hit the scoreboard with a goal in the fourth term. Old Geelong take on Old Trinity in the second round while Old Camberwell will face Canterbury.
Women’s Grading Group 5:
CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS v. OLD HAILEYBURY
Caulfield Grammarians were victorious over Old Haileybury to the tune of 38-points at Glen Huntley Oval. The round of fast starts continued as the Fields scored four unanswered goals in the first quarter. In a scenario of playing catch up for the remainder of the game, Old Haileybury put up a good fight but struggled to break through the strong Fields defence. The final score was 57-19.
OAKLEIGH v. DE LA SALLE
Oakleigh put four consistent quarters together and were able to take home the four points after they defeated De La Salle 50-9. De La Salle were able to take a positive out of the game with a fourth quarter win, scoring one goal and three points in comparison to the Krushers’ one point. Adrienne Ringin and Jessica Byrne were the two for the 41-point victors.
Women’s Grading Group 6:
HAMPTON ROVERS v. ORMOND AFC
Ormond AFC kicked off the inaugural VAFA Women’s season with a 23-point win over Hampton Rovers last night. Under the lights of Boss James Reserve, both teams played their part in a glass ceiling breaking time for women’s football. With five goals to two going into the final term, the Mondettes were able to remain composed and win 40-17. Ormond will take on St Bedes/Mentone Tigers while Hampton Rovers will face St Mary’s Salesian next week.