Voracious Vultures level Devils, Guns shoot & score

Nick Armistead

Parkdale Vultures returned from their bye round in emphatic fashion, defeating Parkside by 58 points at Gerry Green Reserve. Led by Lucy Burgess’ three goals, the Vultures had 27 scoring shots (9.18) to four (2.2) as they built on their lead throughout the day. Burgess, who was named on a wing in the 2019 Division 4 Team of the Year, starred for the Vultures, while fellow TOTY representative Sienna Symons had the ball on a string in a best-on-ground performance. Former Ivanhoe AFC player, Sarah Galligan, impressed in her first game for the Red Devils as did fellow first-gamer, Maja Beilke. The Vultures look ominous in 2021 and will face their toughest test this season when they travel to Albert Park on Saturday morning.

Four rounds into the season and De La Salle possess the improbable record of one win, one loss, one draw and one bye. That win came on Saturday when they recorded an incredible seven-point come-from-behind victory over MCC at Beaumaris Secondary College. The Guns trailed by 14 points at the first break and were still seven behind going into the final term before turning the screws with three goals to one in a match-winning fourth quarter. De La’s Rachael McDonough joined Alex Clayton at the top of the goal kicking leader board with three goals taking her season tally to seven, while Luisa Marrollo dished out her strongest game for the season. Clayton top-scored with two goals for MCC as they now fall into fourth spot on the ladder following their first loss since Round 1.

Albert Park secured their second win on the trot when they defeated Swinburne University by 37 points at St James Park. The Falcons capitalised on their chances in the first term with three goals to one, before holding the Razorbacks goalless for the remainder of the match while kicking another three second-half goals. Hannah Buur starred in front of goal with three majors, Jo Griffin kicked two and Anna Townshend continued her fine form with a BOG display. Sarah Becker and Lauren Johnson fought hard and were named best for the Razorbacks. The win sets up a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash between the Falcons and Vultures this weekend.

Photo: Anna Worsnop (Parkdale Vultures)