Sharks take top spot in final round of Premier B White

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead

Beaumaris booked a home semi-final on the last weekend of the home and away season, defeating Hampton Rovers by 92 points at Banksia Reserve. The Sharks showcased a defensive masterclass as they kept their opponents goalless while piling on 13 of their own at the other end. Ellie Hearne had a day out for the Sharks with a season-high seven majors and took her tally to 25 from 14 games. Emma Baker and Jemima Kelly continued their outstanding individual form for Beaumaris, while Chloe Mirams, Chloe Mclaren and Elizabeth Dingeldei fought bravely for the Rovers. It’s been a tough season for Hampton as they failed to register a win but they will take lessons learnt into the pre-season. The win gives the Sharks top spot ahead of next week’s second semi-final against Old Scotch.

Nine unanswered goals in the first half led Old Brighton to a commanding 58-point victory over Scotch Stars at Brighton Beach Oval. The third-placed Tonners fell five points short in their Round 1 clash with the Stars but led from start to finish this time around and kept their opponents to just two goals and their lowest score of the season. Big V defender Cat O’Brien returned from VFL duties and kicked three goals in a BOG performance, while India Tait continued her sublime individual season with another standout display. Lily Goss and Ingrid Howren were the best of the Stars as they now sit in second spot on the ladder and ready themselves for a trip to Beaumaris to kick off finals action. The Tonners will host Old Haileybury in the first semi-final.

Old Haileybury secured a finals berth when they defeated Old Mentonians by 24 points at Princes Park. Fourth spot was up for grabs for both sides, but it was the Hearts who kicked five of the first seven goals and entered the main break with a 25-point lead. The Panthers fought hard in the third term with two unanswered goals, but Haileybury proved too strong as they ran out the match with another two goals to one. Sarah Casey was at her best with three goals for the Hearts, while Claire Stark and Danielle Frawley impressed. Ciara Scott was named best for the Panthers and Hannah Stuart was influential when they made a move in the third term. The Hearts will face Old Brighton in the knock-out first semi-final next week at Brighton Beach Oval.

Old Carey and Ajax wrapped up their 2018 seasons with the Panthers running out 52-point winners at Carey Sports Complex. Six unanswered goals in the opening half set the scene for the Panthers’ fourth win of the season before the game levelled out with four goals to three in the third and fourth terms. Sarah Anderson went forward and kicked a game-high four goals for the Panthers while teammate Marli Wilkinson was named best afield for the sixth game in a row. Madeline Smart was a one-woman show up forward for the Jackettes as she nailed all three of their goals alongside a standout performance from Lindi Nankin.