Warriors win 2 from 2, MCC bounce back big time

Meg Saultry

After a horror 70-point loss last week, Melbourne Cricket Club Football Club rebounded in round five with a straightforward 41-point win over Emmaus St Leos at Bennettswood Sports Ground. MCC were able to keep St Leos scoreless in both the first and third quarters, piling on five goals in the third to dominate the scoreboard.  MCC’s Alexandra Clayton has been outstanding down forward this season, kicking three goals against St Leos to make it 12 majors for the season, while Sienna Costello impressed, finished the game with a goal. Shellby Lonie and Shannon Danckert were among St Leos best, with Danckert also chipping in one of St Leos’ three goals. MCC sit third on the ladder after round five with St Leo closely behind in fourth.

Westbourne Grammarians subjected South Melbourne Districts to a fifth straight loss with a 49-point victory at Lindsay Hassett Oval. South Melbourne started the game valiantly kicking two goals in the first half of the game to remain in the contest, but it was all over for the Swans as Westbourne outscored the home team 27-1 in the second half. Caitlyn Snow was best afield for the Warriors, her third such accolade in five rounds, while Lauren Spark was impressive with two goals. South Melbourne’s Emma Madgwick put in another fine performance, stringing several good showings together so far this year. South Melbourne remains winless after five rounds, sitting at the bottom of the ladder, while Westbourne sits in sixth.

Power House has backed up an impressive win last week with another dominant performance, beating home side Prahan Assumption by 28 points at Basil St Reserve. Power House kicked three goals in the second quarter to build a lead of 20 points heading in to the second half while defensively holding Prahan to only two goals for the match. Power’s Sarah Dash looked excellent in her first game this season, kicking four goals for the match, while Lisa McGowan was important for the winning side. Erinn Smith was among the best for Prahan, with teammates Taz Browning and Gabriella Suriano both kicking their first goals of the season. Prahan remains in fifth position with its third loss in a row this season, while Power House keeps its crucial spot near the top in second place.

Preston Bullants notched its fourth win in a row, beating Yarra Old Grammarians by 16 points at Doncaster Reserve to finish the round. Yarra fought hard to finish the first quarter with a lead of seven points, before the Bullants wrestled back a slim lead before the main break. It was a stalemate in the third term with neither team scoring in an even contest, but Preston rose in a crucial fourth quarter to stretch its lead to 16 and take out the match. Georgia Freer was dominant for the Bullants, Chantelle Gleeson was among the best in her first game, and Melissa Halton top scored with two goals. Preston sits atop the ladder after the round, one game clear of its next rival as Yarra Old Grammarians start the season 1-4 in seventh place.