Sheagles look to go back-to-back, Kew eliminate Saints

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead

Marcellin will get a chance to claim back-to-back William Buck Premier flags after they defeated Melbourne University by 17 points in their second semi-final yesterday. Three goals to Shaylee Taylor, Ellie Gavalas and Maggie Antypas in the opening six minutes of the first term set the scene for the Sheagles as they took a 17-point lead into the first break. Tessa Zagontinos extended the lead with the first goal of the second before Leah Caluzzi converted a set shot for the Mugars’ first in the 18^th minute. It did not, however, change proceedings as the Sheagles fought hard defensively and refused to give the Mugars a look in for the remainder of the match. Antypas was named best afield for her influential performance which included 14 disposals and four marks, while Gavalas racked up 20 kicks among her 22 touches. Ruby Grounds returned from Canberra and accumulated 22 disposals for the Mugars, and Caluzzi finished the game with her side’s two goals. The Mugars will now face Kew in the preliminary final after defeating them by 16 points in Round 10.

Kew won through to the preliminary final following their 10-point win over SKOB Saints at Victoria Park. Leading by four points at half time, the Bears’ Issy Harding kicked the only goal of the second half six minutes into the third term. The Bears had 15 more inside 50’s than the Saints (34-19) and won the disposal count despite losing the ruck battle 82-23. Dani Calautti was named BOG with 20 disposals for the Bears, while Michaela Harding continued her outstanding individual form with a game-high 29 touches and four tackles. Dani Sibosado and Esther Potts each had 16 disposals alongside Lily Barr’s 11 tackles. It was a disappointing day for the Saints with just the one goal to Georgia Cropley, but Scarlett Dunell stood tall as their best player. Bree Doyle was a standout with 21 touches and nine tackles, while Alexandra Hynes did her utmost to give her midfielders first use of the ball with 78 hit outs. The Bears, who are now on a five-game winning streak, will face off with the Mugars in next week’s preliminary.