Therry Penola end drought in season first win over MCC

Claudia Didonato

Round 8 in Division 2 Women’s had it all with a season first win, a draw and further confirmation that Williamstown CYMS is the league’s unstoppable force.

Therry Penola took on MCC at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. Coming into this week winless, Therry Penola was looking to make the most of their home ground advantage and secure their first win.

MCC was in for a long day with only 12 players taking to the field against Therry Penola’s 19. A strong first half effort from both sides saw Therry Penola score 15 points while managing to keep MCC scoreless, however MCC’s defenders showed courage in challenging Therry Penola’s forward line. Returning from the main break, Therry Penola had four more shots at goal with MCC having just one and scoring a behind. A huge last quarter push from MCC, shut down all scoring shots by Therry Penola, and Ellecia Baker kicked MCC’s only goal of the game.

Ruby O’halloran kicked 2 majors for Therry Penola while Abbey Duggan and Lucy Mclaren kicked one each. Matilda Ryan was best on for Therry Penola while Laura Suckling starred for MCC. Despite MCC’s best efforts, Therry Penola came out on top with a comfortable 22-point victory.

In a Round 3 rematch, the Albert Park Falcons faced off against Old Trinity at Albert Park Oval. Although undermanned due to multiple injuries, Albert Park came in as the favourites given their high position on the ladder. A frantic opening quarter saw two sides desperate to gain an early lead. As both sides were unable to break away from the other, the margin sat at four points going into half time. Old Trinity amped up the pressure in the third with a goal and three behinds, while Albert Park only managed to score one point. A dominant last quarter effort from the Falcons saw much of the game being played in their forward 50, and best on ground Hannah Burr playing a considerable role in keeping the ball locked in. With both teams having 27 points on the scoreboard, neither side was able to score before the final siren.

Although Albert Park was looking to bag their second win over Old Trinity, Old Trinity’s development as a team over the last five weeks stood up to the test. In a rare occurrence, the four points were split this week.

Over at Walter Galt Reserve, the Parkdale Vultures took on Williamstown CYMS, the league’s unstoppable force. In a close first quarter, both teams were unable to score a major, but managed to get behinds on the board. Parkdale’s defenders worked tirelessly to keep Williamstown at bay and did so successfully, by only conceding ten points going into half time. Georgia Collinson was integral to Parkdale’s success, keeping the league’s leading goal scorer Alessia Acquaro to one goal. The pressure from both teams continued going into the third quarter, yet the Vultures were unable to convert still having only scored one point. With Parkdale 12 points down going into the fourth, Williamstown put on an impressive last effort and ran away with the game, defeating Parkdale, 27-1.

At Ferndale Park, St Mary’s Salesian hosted Ivanhoe for the first time these teams have played this season. Ivanhoe was able to get an early lead, scoring 14 points and managing to keep St Mary’s to one behind going into quarter time. Demonstrating their ability to skilfully move the ball downfield regardless of the wet and muddy conditions, the Ivies extended their lead to 23 points going into the half time break. St Mary’s turned up the heat in the third, winning clearances and controlling more of the play. Although dominant in forward entries, St Mary’s struggled to convert. Both teams put in a tough last quarter effort, scoring two majors each.

Anna Vrsecky was best on for St Mary’s, while Sophie Callahan was best on for Ivanhoe. Although Ivanhoe were able to convert more successfully than St Mary’s, the Saints were applying intense defensive pressure, laying over 20 tackles per quarter.

Looking ahead to Round 9, Therry Penola will take on Williamstown, Albert Park will verse Ivanhoe, St Mary’s will take on Old Trinity and Parkdale will face off against MCC.