Collegians register first win in new competition as reigning premiers exposed

It was all happening in a big Round 7 in Division 1 Women’s on the weekend, as Marcellin’s flag defence was exposed, and Collegians won their first match since being elevated into the competition.

Old Brighton proved themselves as clear favourites for the flag, after they knocked off Marcellin by 27 points on Saturday afternoon. The win was made even sweeter given they knocked off the reigning premiers away from home.

Both sides were well in the contest in the first half, going into the main break with Marcellin 1.1 (7) and Old Brighton 2.2 (14). It was a strong second half that set up Brighton, after they scored 28 points after half time compared to Marcellin’s eight points.

Once again, Lily Tait stole the show kicking another three goals to take her tally to 18 goals for the season. Charley Hodgson, Katie Grant, India Tait, Sienna Courtney and Shanelle Hodgkinson rounded out the best players for Old Brighton.

Despite the result for Marcellin, Laura Robertson and Charlotte McGilp had strong games for Marcellin, whilst Annaleise Xanthos, Annabel Scott, and Zoe Glascott all contributed with a goal apiece.

Next week, Marcellin will take on Parkdale, with a result which could prove to be costly for both teams in the scheme of the season. A loss for Marcellin will see them equal on the ladder with Parkdale and potentially three games behind top of the table Brighton. On the other side of the ledger, a win for Parkdale would see them level with Marcellin and potentially Collegians, whilst a loss would push them down the pack.

Old Brighton will host Old Melburnians on Saturday morning.

Collegians nailed their first win of the season against Old Melburnians on Saturday morning at Elsternwick Park. Collegians looked to be the stronger team from the outset in a low scoring first half, both teams looking slightly inaccurate in front of goal.

Collegians came out firing in the second half to put away Old Melburnians, kicking 2.2 whilst holding their opposition to just four behinds for the remainder of the game. With inaccuracies in front of goals on either side, the result could have been quite different had the teams kicked straighter.

Annabel Schmidt was the clear standout for best on ground on the weekend – kicking three goals and essentially winning the game off her own boot for her team. Chelsea McDermott and Annabel Schmidt also had strong games.

For Old Melburnians, Ellen Williams was their most impressive also scoring a goal, whilst Milly Treacy and Amelia Kogler rounded out the top three.

Next week, Old Melburnians find themselves in a tough fixture against flag favourites Old Brighton and away from home. Collegians will come up against Old Haileybury in a game they will hope to win in order to stay within striking distance of Old Brighton on top of the ladder.

The Parkdale Vultures continued to show off their improved skills on the weekend with a 30-point win over Old Haileybury to move up to fourth place and now sitting one win off second on the ladder.

Old Haileybury started on the front foot at the beginning of the game, yet Parkdale started to fire in the second quarter. Inaccuracy for Parkdale plagued their chances of an early runaway lead, instead taking only a one-goal lead into the main break. However, after half-time the girls came out stronger kicking four goals in the third quarter to Haileybury’s one.

Parkdale scored another 2.3 in the final quarter to add some handy percentage after putting away Haileybury.

Co-captains Bridget Hanrahan and Isabella Scaunich were once again impressive for Haileybury, but it was Ella Gown who was their best on ground for the day.

However, it was Sienna Symons who was the clear best on ground for the day given she kicked five of Parkdale’s eight goals. Captain Breanna Allen was impressive, as was Lucy Burgess with a goal to her name.

Next up, Parkdale have a big match up with Marcellin in a potentially season-defining clash, whereby a win will see them stay within reaching distance with the top of the table. Meanwhile, Old Haileybury will take on Collegians.