Beaumaris Sharks have a scorching victory

Round 6 of the VAFA Premier B Women’s competition was an exciting one with Beaumaris seizing the spotlight in a blistering 16.8 (104) to 1.0 (6) victory over Aquinas OC, showcasing their strength as a team. Meanwhile, Fitzroy put up a fierce fight against the undefeated Williamstown CYMS, keeping the pressure on and narrowing the gap to just a single goal.

In a statement clash at their home ground, Beaumaris showcased their dominance with a resounding victory over Aquinas, beating them by 98 points. “It’s great to see the playing group being rewarded for their hard work on the training track, especially in the areas that have been a focus,” said Beaumaris coach Darryl Behrendorff.

“We were really impressed with the performance of the whole team, who are starting to gel after welcoming new players into the group. Our intent this week will be to remain consistent and continue to execute and improve in those areas while developing the players individually.”

The match was marked by standout performances from Beaumaris’ goal-kickers Rosie Byrne and Simone Marinelli, who each kicked a hattrick, adding significant firepower to their team’s attack.

Despite their efforts, Aquinas struggled to break through Beaumaris’ strong defence, with Meg Dargan’s lone goal being the only breakthrough for the visiting side. Taylor Leslie and Madison Mauchline were standout players for Aquinas, being named in the top two players for the match.

In an impressive showdown between veterans and newcomers in Prem B, stalwarts Old Geelong clashed with the emerging force of Old Xaverians. Old Geelong used their experience and tenacity to topple Old Xaverians, with the final score reading 11.2 (68) to 2.2 (14).

“Old Xavs were highly competitive and, had we not been so efficient in front of goal, the match could’ve played out very differently. We’d played them last year in D1 and knew they had some quality players and had to be at our best to get the result,” says Old Geelong coach Jack Crameri.

Leading the charge for Old Geelong was Matilda Arthur, the Premier B Women’s current leading goal-scorer, who proved why she holds this title by kicking an impressive six goals.

“Tilly Arthur came back to us this year having been a part of OGs foundation years as a player and coach, before having a couple of years off, focusing on her career and some coaching at the Coates League,” says Crameri.

“She’s a medium-sized forward who got good hands and just gets into the right positions time and time again. We suspect she may have already set a club record tally in the senior goal kicking and we’re really lucky to have such a smart footballer on our side.”

Old Xaverians displayed resilience, with Claudia Lacey and Mel Clarke kicking a goal apiece, but were ultimately unable to match the consistency and precision of Old Geelong. 

In a fiercely contested match, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers clashed with Westbourne Grammarians, emerging victorious with a final score of 7.10 (52) to 4.3 (27). St Bedes/Mentone Tigers showcased their dominance in the second quarter where they surged ahead with three goals while keeping Westbourne goalless.

Although Westbourne displayed resilience, matching St Bedes/Mentone Tigers goal-for-goal in the second half, they couldn’t overcome the deficit established earlier in the match.

Standout performances came from St Bedes’ Captain, Madeline Pearson, who led by example with three crucial goals, contributing significantly to her team’s success. Meanwhile, Caitlin Brennan showcased her scoring prowess for Westbourne, finishing as their leading goal-scorer with two goals.

Williamstown CYMS and Fitzroy fans were treated to a nail-biting encounter characterised by exceptional defensive displays. Despite the anticipation, the match unfolded as an intensely low-scoring affair at just 10-19 going the way of Williamstown; a testament to the defensive prowess of both teams.

Fitzroy showcased their resilience with a stellar defensive performance, holding the undefeated Williamstown CYMS goalless in the first and fourth quarters. Williamstown’s Alessia Acquaro and Alexandra Woodhead slotted a goal each in the second and third quarters, making it hard for Fitzroy to come back with their solitary goal from Robyn Randell in the second quarter.

Despite the lack of scoring opportunities, both teams exhibited a commendable level of determination and skill, ensuring a fiercely contested battle until the final whistle. This match serves as a testament to the defensive fortitude of both sides and sets the stage for the matchups to come.

Round 7 of the Prem B Women’s VAFA competition promises another exciting slate of matches. Aquinas will face a tough challenge as they take on the undefeated Williamstown CYMS. St Bedes/Mentone Tigers will square off against Old Geelong in what is expected to be a closely contested matchup, with both teams currently in the top four on the ladder.

Old Xaverians will play Beaumaris, who are coming off a massive win in Round 6, and Westbourne Grammarians will look to bounce back as they face Fitzroy, with both teams aiming to secure vital points in the league standings.

With each match offering its own unique storyline and potential for surprises, Round 7 is set to deliver another round of intense competition.