Aquinas, Nodders dominate Premier C Women’s

Aidan Sinclair

Mazenod vs Ivanhoe

Both sides would head into the elimination final winning two of their last three games of the season. Mazenod would go in as favourites after finishing above Ivanhoe on the ladder. The last time these two sides met was back in Round 7 when Mazenod got the job done by just six points. From the opening bounce, there was an immediate finals feel in the contest. Throughout the entire opening term, both sides pressed each other’s defences, although both held very sturdy as the opening quarter saw no goals and Ivanhoe held a slim two-point margin into the opening change. The second term was dominated by the home side, as they kicked the only goal of the quarter to lead by seven at the main break. Some inaccuracy, potentially costing them a bigger buffer. Ivanhoe came out after half time similar to the way they started the game. Both sides, once again, made it very difficult to score as Ivanhoe’s singular behind was the only score of the term. At three quarter time, it was Mazenod who led by a goal. The home side would prove far too classy in the final term, however. They booted two goals as well as keeping the visitors scoreless as they ran away to a 21-point win. Del Conte, Kerley and Gartland were amongst the goals for Mazenod. Callahan, Bisogni and McLean were some of Ivanhoe’s best.

Aquinas vs St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

Aquinas would head into this one, seeking revenge as the Tigers were the only side to beat them during the home and away season. The Tigers had been in good form entering this huge clash, winning their last five matches of the season. Aquinas came out of the blocks hard, with an obvious point to prove. They kicked two goals in the opening quarter whilst keeping the Tigers scoreless, to lead by 13 points at the first change. There were similar domination in the second term as the Tigers were able to answer with a goal of their own, however still losing the quarter. Aquinas lead by 21 at the main break. After half time, it was the Tigers who set their sights on working their way back into the contest. Both sides defences were brick walls and the only score to come from the quarter was an Aquinas behind, extending the margin to 22, heading into the last quarter. A final quarter clinic saw Aquinas fly away with the victory in the final term. They booted four straight goals to no score from the Tigers, to waltz away to a 46-point win and a spot in the big dance. Holly Spicer kicked two for the hosts as Dianna Haines and Melanie Hogg were also amongst their best. For the Tigers, it was names like Donaldson, Pearson and Coghill that stood out.