T’s push Mugars as SKOB bounce back

Lucy Lechich

In the match of the round, Basil St Reserve played host to two teams fighting to grab a higher spot on the ladder prior to finals; SKOB looking to progress further than 4th and Marcellin aiming for 1st. With so much anticipation clouding this battle, there was fittingly nothing in it early, as Marcellin came away with the half time lead by a meagre three points. It was SKOB, however, kicking 3.3 in the final two quarters, who narrowly edge the lead over Marcellin, producing enough of a buffer to negate the reigning premiers late two goal surge, and come away with the four points. For the impressive SKOB outfit, Alexandra Hynes was unstoppable in the ruck as she has been for a large portion of the season, along with Margaret Gleeson, Eliza Straford and Georgia Cropley, each with midfield and forward prowess. Marcellin’s Jackie Greaves was named best afield for her side, Libby Whiting had her most influential game for the season thus far, and Ellie Gavalas was the Sheagles’ leading disposal winner with 16 touches and a goal.

Old Trinity and Melbourne Uni took to Hudson Oval Playing Fields on the weekend, with the win being particularly important for the MUGARS in their bid to retain their place on top of the ladder. Old Trinity led at the quarter time break 15 to seven, which they then furthered to 22 to 19 at half time. In what opened as a tight battle, Old Trinity were stopped in their tracks in the second half, only managing a single point, whilst the MUGARS crawled past them in the latter stages of the match to win by six points. Sian Wilson was prominent around the ground and racked up 26 touches, whilst other impressive performances came from Leah Caluzzi with a goal and 22 touches, Ada Chessor with 20 posessions and Olivia Turnbull as best on ground. Old Trinity produced some solid individual efforts that kept them well in the contest, namely Ruby Dillon with 25 disposals, Imogen Barnett with 23, Vanessa Murphy with 17, and best afield, Sarah Clough.

After a convincing victory in the previous round to Old Xav’s, Caulfield Grammarians took it up to Kew from the opening bounce but ultimately fell short in this Pride Round clash by 16 points at Glenhuntly Oval. Kew was in control for the majority of the match, significantly outscoring Caulfield in number of scoring shots (17-6), however a big third term from the home side with four unanswered majors kept them in the contest for the latter half of the encounter. Kew proved too strong in the end, with a number of star performers shining through. Michaela Harding was influential and covered the ground better than any other, attaining 33 disposals, while other notable efforts came from Dani Calautti 21, Dani Sibosado 19 and two goals and Maire Fay. Leah Oswald was again prominent up forward for the Fields, booting two and keeping her side alive, whilst Irena Malliaras with 26 disposals, Millie Klingbeil with 18 and Georgia Cooper with 15 were amongst the best for Caulfield.

Old Xaverians played host to Fitzroy-ACU at Xavier College in a dead rubber, with both teams out of contention for finals at this late stage in the season. Old Xavs were unable to capitalise after a decent first quarter, taking the lead at the first break by a three-point margin. However, their collective inaccuracy in front of goals was to their detriment, as they only managed to score 2.10. This allowed Fitzroy to surge past and clench victory with their eventual high scoring 9.9 output. Lucy Kerr starred for the Roys attaining 26 touches and kicking 1.2, undeniably a best on ground effort, while other solid contributors included Erin Gogerly with 18 touches and two goals, and Ruby Condon and Alice Batterton with 17 touches a piece. Old Xav’s’ Em Archer fought hard all day, alongside Em Dwyer, Audrey Rhodes and Carle Rooks in a better effort from their side in comparison to previous rounds.