Competition settles post Round 5 shake up

After last week’s competition shake up, things were a bit more settled in Division 1 Women’s this weekend, with Collegians settling into their new competition. Marcellin remain strong in second place, but it is Old Brighton that is proving to have the strongest premiership credentials at this stage of the season, seizing every opportunity to dominate in games.

Old Brighton posted an 82-point victory against Old Haileybury on Saturday morning, and had they been more accurate in front of goals the margin could have potentially been a lot larger. It was another percentage-boosting win for Brighton, their percentage sitting at an insurmountable 507.89%.

A tough day out for Haileybury, who managed only 2.4 for the match. Brighton got going early on, taking a score of 46 points into the main change and registering another 52 points in the second half, not showing any signs of slowing down.

Shanelle Hodgkinson was the best on ground with two goals to her name, whilst Lily Tait starred again, kicking four goals to take her goal tally to 13 for the season. Captain India Tait was also impressive.

Haileybury captain, Isabella Scaunich shone against a formidable opponent, whilst Serene Vudiniabola kicked their only two goals. It seemed like an off day for Haileybury, who have now recorded three wins from six rounds to find themselves in fifth, only below Parkdale on percentage.

The game of the round centred around Collegians and Parkdale Vultures at Harry Trott Oval. Parkdale were searching for their third win of the season and Collegians looked to prove themselves in this competition. In a hard-fought contest where scoring shots were hard to come by, it was Parkdale who came away with a mere 3-point victory, after both sides toughed it out for the full four quarters.

It was an evenly matched contest, both teams scoring three-goals for the game in what was a low scoring affair. In the end, it was Parkdale’s behind count which ultimately got them over the line, kicking three more points than Collegians.

The Vultures’ vice-captain, Isabella Daddo, was best on ground, with a handy goal to her name. Sienna Symons was also impressive, kicking two goals. And for the Lions Maddie Smith and Chelsea McDermott starred once again, with a goal apiece to Caitlin Gait, Amelie Kamberis, and Brooke Tuszynski.

Marcellin showed why they are the reigning premiers, with a 33-point victory over Old Melburnians on Sunday afternoon. The win was made more impressive by the fact that Old Melburnians were held goalless for the entire game, stuck at the bottom of the ladder and two wins behind fifth place.

The game was consistent from Marcellin, kicking at least a goal in every quarter. Zoe Glascott had another two goals to take her tally to 19 goals for the season thus far, whilst Angie Wang Hartman was best on ground. Despite a tough day out, Sally Peers, Eloise Faulks and Clare Fraser all showed promising signs for Old Melburnians.

Next week looms as an early finals preview, with Old Brighton travelling to take on the reigning premiers and fellow flag favourites in Marcellin. This will be Marcellin’s biggest test of the season against the inform Old Brighton, who they were last defeated by in Round 4.

Old Haileybury will host Parkdale Vultures at Princes Park Caulfield in what looms as a season defining clash, as both teams search for their fourth win of the season. Meanwhile, Collegians will be hoping to get their first win in Division 1 next weekend against Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park on Saturday morning.