Mazenod test the ladder leaders, as Whitefriars exert their dominance

Fresh off a Bye, and it certainly showed in Division 2 Women’s. Everyone had a spring in their step and a couple of sides let it rip on the scoreboard, with Whitefriars and Power House registering 44- and 45-point wins respectively. The ladder is taking shape and a clear top 4 starting to form, but with 7 rounds to go there is still plenty of time for the middle order to make a late challenge.

The round kicked off at Rathmines Road Reserve with Whitefriars exerting their dominance on the road to take home the chocolates against Hawthorn. Things started slow with the Hawks kicking the lone goal of the first quarter, whilst the Friars started a little shaky in front of the big sticks, registering 4 behinds.

Whitefriars were assertive in the second and showed up with a 3-goal display to win the quarter and tilt momentum in their favour. Things went from bad to worse for the Hawks come the final term. They let a 23-point deficit slip to a 44-point margin come the final siren, which speaks to the impressive and skilful display of the Whitefriars outfit.

The final scoreboard read 14-58 in favour of the visitors with accolades awarded to Meave Bohanna for her 3-goal performance, alongside Lizzy Yore and Cassie Bruce who starred for the Whitefriars.

Hawthorn’s leadership stood up when it mattered on a tough day out and were well-supported by Charlotte Miller.

Power House delivered one of their best performances of the season against Old Trinity on home soil. Not only were they able to hit the scoreboard but they kept their opponent to just a single goal for the match in a first-class defensive effort.

Power House put their foot down right from the get go, extending their lead at each break, whilst Old Trinity were kept scoreless until their goal came off the boot of captain, Bella Eames in the final quarter.

Power House shared the ball around with Maire Condon, Joanne Down, and Ella Moore all scoring 2 goals, while Ciara Boyle also hit the scoreboard with 1. With a final score of 7.9.51, the damage cause by Power House could have been even more lethal but inaccuracy kept the final margin at 45 points.

In contrast, over at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, it was a low scoring affair with a total of 3 goals scored for the match. It was a back forth tussle for the full four quarters, but it was Oakleigh who walked away victorious over Richmond Central.

Both sides had their opportunities finishing with more behinds than goals, and will look to clean up their connection going forward. Pia Hobday and Bonnie Nolan hit the scoreboard for Oakleigh with a goal apiece, whilst Therese Tynan score the Snakes goal.

This win keeps Oakleigh in fourth spot for now, but they will be tested with the middle order nipping at their heels. Emily Cashman was best on for the winning side and Isabella Rao impressed for Richmond.

Hampton Rovers produced a convincing win over Old Camberwell/AJAX. The Rovers are putting together a comprehensive season and in a tight competition it will be a race to the finish where every win counts.

The Rovers had scoring shots aplenty but it didn’t quite click for them slotting an inaccurate 3.15. Although they failed to register more than 3 behinds, the Old Camberwell/AJAX side put pressure on around the ground, preventing a greater deficit at the final siren.

Natasha Morris and Millie Smith were deemed best afield for the home side, while at the other end, Isabel Dedoncker and Isabella Griffin led from the front on a tough day out.

It was not all smooth sailing at Packer Park as ladder leaders Glen Eira/Old McKinnon were tested by a hungry Mazenod side who were searching for their first win of the season. Mazenod took an early lead, kicking the opener and managed to hold a lead right through the final change.

The Gryphons would have gone into this match as clear favourites and expected all but to be trailing throughout 3 quarters. To their credit, Mazenod gave it their all with nothing to lose, and everything to gain, conquering the top of the table team.

In the fourth and final term, Glen Eira was able to steady the ship and regain control in the match, scoring 1.5 to charge home with a victory. Hayley Carter and Aleesha Whittle stepped up to be named best for the home side.

Unfortunately, Mazenod couldn’t hold off the Gryphons any longer and relinquished a lead they fought so hard to create, but should hold their heads up high being able to go toe-to-toe with the best in the competition. Emma Neilson and Ella Camerotto were just two of many notable performances for Mazenod.

With Round 9 in the books, let’s look to the coming weekend with multiple blockbuster matchups. The drought will come to an end for either Mazenod or Old Camberwell/AJAX as one side will come away with their first 4 points in the Div 2 Women’s competition, as they face off on Saturday Morning.

Higher up the ladder, the Hampton Rovers host Power House in a must see match up with only percentage dividing the two third and fourth placed sides. Oakleigh will come up against Hawthorn, whilst Old Trinity will host a red-hot Whitefriars and look to get back on the winners list.

Lastly, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon will travel to play Richmond Central and will need to win should they be looking to retain a one game advantage atop the ladder.