Ivies, Friars, Warriors book spot in big dance

Meg Saultry

Division 1

It may have taken an extra week, but minor premiers Ivanhoe didn’t waste their second chance as they booked a spot in the final weekend with a 11 point victory over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at Elsternwick Park Oval on Sunday.

The Ivies came to ready to play, running to a two goal lead by the first break, before the Tigers responded by confining most of the action in their attacking half across the second term. Kicking the lone goal of the second quarter bridged the Ivies’ lead, but the Tigers’ inaccuracy in front of goal (1.3 for the quarter) meant they still trailed the Ivies by four points heading into the main break. The Ivies returned in the second half with a renewed composure and finished the quarter eight points ahead. And in a high stakes final quarter contest, the Ivies held their nerves and their opponents to run out victors. Ivanhoe’s Tahlia Day was again her side’s best along with Georgia Scarce, who last week won Division 1 Best and Fairest honours, while Sarah Emerson finished with two of the Ivies four goals. Charis Ulu Peniata led the charge for the Tigers in a best on performance, and along with Isabella Mcconville, kicked the Tigers two majors.

Ivanhoe will be looking to atone for their semi final loss against Hawthorn AFC last week when the two sides meet again in the grand final at Elsternwick Park Oval next Sunday.

Division 2

Whitefriars FC sealed their own premiership berth with an 11-point victory over Old Ivanhoe at Burbank Oval on Sunday. Heading into the final quarter a single point in front, the Friars overcame earlier inaccuracy woes to kick their first major of the day to strengthen their match winning margin.

After Old Ivanhoe kicked their first and only goal of the day in the opening term through Jacqueline Mitchelhill, the Friars surprisingly took the lead in the third term with only minors to their name (0.8), before Kate Tull confirmed the victory with her last quarter major. Illaria Akers continued her dominant final series with a second Best on Ground performance, fellow Friar Clare Fernandes impressed after finishing second in the earlier Division 2 Best and Fairest count,  while Natasha Reeve admirably stood up for the defeated Hoers.

With the Friars having booked their appearance in the premiership bout, they will now face off against minor premiers Old Melburnians at Trevor Barker Oval next Sunday for the coveted silverware.

Division 3

Westbourne Grammarians FC claimed an upset 36-point victory over MCC Football Club at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday to book a spot in next week’s Division 3 premiership clash.

Continuing their impressive finals form, the Warriors kickstarted their Preliminary chances by running to a 16 point lead at quarter time, before a slow starting MCC broke through in the second term with their first major of the day. Still in control of a 17 point lead ahead of the second half, the Warriors soon drove the result beyond doubt with three unanswered goals in the third term, before a final contested quarter postponed the inevitable. Brianna Herman and Lauren Spark led the Warriors attack with two goals apiece, while Rennae Robinson scored Best on Ground honours for a second week in a row. Elizabeth Buchanan skillfully led MCC’s attack by kicking both of her sides’ major scores, while Avalon Ekbery and Division 3 Best and Fairest winner Holly Bailey battled hard for the defeated.

In a one-versus-four Grand Final, the Warriors will head in underdogs against the minor premiers in the Preston Bullants at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday.