Wet conditions produce mixed results in Div 2 Women’s

Round 13 of Division 2 Women’s was played in wet and wild conditions around Melbourne, serving up a few thrashings and a low scoring thriller.

First up, the Hampton Rovers travelled to Rathmines Road Reserve and recorded a 13 point victory over Hawthorn, keeping their position inside the top two on the ladder as they hope to secure the double chance.

It was an even start with the home side kicking the first goal of the game before the Roves responded. Hawthorn’s lead was extended from a one point lead at the first break to seven points at the main break after they kicked the only goal of the second term.

However in the second half it was all Hampton, as they kicked the only three goals to run out victors on the day. Isla Tucker was the only multiple goal kicker with two and named best for the Rovers, supported well by Lizzie Dingeldei and Natasha Morris. While for Hawthorn, Charlotte Miller, Laura Castleden and Joelly Firmin played well.

Third-placed Power House weren’t challenged, as they dismantled bottom side Old Camberwell by 39 points at Albert Park. The Wellers were held goalless while Power House extended their 18 point half time lead to 39 with three second half goals.

Catherine Bartholomew and Lisa McCombs each kicked two goals for Power House, while Georgia McHolmes took the best on ground honours. They sit one win behind the Rovers in third position, but with a superior percentage with just three rounds remaining. For the Wellers, Alannah Frampton, Isabella Griffin and Madeleine Riddle were named in the best.

It was another thrashing at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, where Richmond Central kept Mazenod scoreless, running out victors by 39 points. It was a blistering first half by the sixth-placed side, booting five goals to set up a match winning lead.

Jordyn Toms-Wedge and Therese Tynan kicked two goals each for Richmond, while Claire Kirwan, Ann-Marie Geary were best afield. For Mazenod, Erin Hopkins, Tiani Wiropuspito and Sarah Gartland played well.

It was a low-scoring thriller at Whitefriars College between Whitefriars and Oakleigh – two teams fighting for a position in the finals. In a game which would produce just one goal, it was the home side who kicked that solitary goal in the opening term.

Disappointingly for the visitors, they would go on to produce twice as many scoring shots (8), but didn’t manage to kick a goal, with Whitefriars managing to hold on by a single point. The result keeps Whitefriars in the top four, one win and percentage ahead of Oakleigh who are in fifth.

Caitlin Ryan kicked the goal for Whitefirars and was named best on ground, while for Oakleigh, Sienna Bernardo, Georgie Nancarrow and Ruby Ford fought hard and were best.

In the final game of the round, it was a lopsided game at the Marles Playing Fields, with top side Glen Eira / Old McKinnon keeping seventh-placed Old Trinity scoreless, winning by 107 points. To Old Trinity’s credit, they were able to field a team this week after forfeiting last round, however still with a number of players missing, were no match for the Gryphons.

Lily Fitzpatrick stared with six goals while Zoe Rossiter kicked four, as Julia Pavlou was best on ground. For Trinity, Natasha Borash, India Curtain and Kellie Woodhouse battled hard and were named in the best.

As we look ahead to round 14, Oakleigh host Richmond Central at Scammell Reserve in what should be a great game with a finals spot still in sight, Old Camberwell takes on Old Trinity at home with both teams looking for a win, Hampton Rovers play host to Whitefriars in a crucial game at Castlefield Reserve, Mazenod will have it all to do against Power House at Columbia Reserve, and Glen Eira / Old McKinnon take on Hawthorn at home.