Cobras strike Swans as Ivies edge past Hawks

Meg Saultry

In a three-point ball game out at Rathmine Road Reserve, it was Ivanhoe who ran out winners over Hawthorn AFC in the heated battle between the top two teams of the competition. The Ivies struggled with conversion for most of the day, but their shear amount of shots on goal helped get them across the line in the 3.15 (33) to 4.6 (30) win. Tahlia Day and Federica Frew lead the charge for the Ivies, along with the three individual goal scorers who hit the board. Hawthorn’s Laura Castleden was the only multiple goal scorer for the day with two majors, while Sarah Delbosc was best afield for the home side. Ivanhoe holds on to the top mantle after the win, with Hawthorn remaining close behind in second.

UHS-VU won their third game this season with a dominant last quarter display, beating Swinburne Uni by 40 points at Brens Oval. UHS-VU held an 11-point lead heading in to the final term, but it was four unanswered goals in last quarter that wrapped up a comfortable win, while the Razorbacks inaccuracy (1.6) botched any chance for the visiting side to insert themselves into the game. Madeline Hince (5 goals) and Sarah Noonan (2) starred down forward for the winning side, with teammate Kahlia Lynch was awarded Best on Ground honours in her first game this season. Leanne Mchenry goaled in the third quarter to get the Razorbacks on the board, while Brianna Murphy battled hard for her side. The result has no consequences on either teams position in the competition, with UHS-VU remaining in eighth and Swinburne Uni sitting one place above in seventh.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers solidified their standings in the Top-4 with a 42 point victory over Therry Penola at Brindisi St Oval. A strong opening and closing quarter were the difference between the two team, with the Tigers booting three goals to one in both of the two terms. Returning for her first game since Round 4, Charlotte Ady was Best on Ground for the Tigers, with Maddison Wilson the side’s best forward with three goals, while Charis Ulu Peniata also chipped in a handy two majors. Bridget Costello was best afield for the Lions for a fifth time this season. Costello, along with teammate Matilda Ryan, also kicked truly for their side’s two goals. The Tigers remain in the finals hunt in third, while the Lions sit two wins out of the Top-4 in sixth.

Canterbury Football Club have thrusted South Melbourne Districts out of a Top 4 spot with a 43-point beating at Gary Smorgon Oval on Saturday. The Cobras hit the board with four unanswered goals in the third term to shape the winning margin, which now sees them move into Top-4 spot themselves with only two rounds left to play. Canterbury’s Mary Spillane was Best on Ground and finished with a goal, while Kiera Bulluss (3 goals) and Lauralee Rinaldi (2) also starred. South Melbourne’s Alice McKinnon was her sides best as one of three individual goal kickers, while Cheree Peters also impressed. South Melbourne still remain in Top-4 contention in fifth, sitting behind Canterbury only through percentage.