Oakleigh keep themselves on the cusp of the top 4 with just two to go

All teams have turned the final corner and are heading down the home straight with just two rounds remaining in the Division 2 Women’s fixture. That all important top four standing is yet to be consolidated with five teams in hot contention. A strong win from Power House propels them into second, while Oakleigh have managed to stay within touching distance.

Oakleigh have shaken the blues from a couple of consecutive losses to get themselves back on the winners list and in the running for finals after a 29-point victory over Richmond Central.

Since joining Oakleigh’s Senior Women’s side, young gun Sienna Bernardo has not missed a beat, producing another best on performance in the Krusher’s gutsy win.

The Krushers hand their hands on the Sherrin early and controlled the momentum of play, hitting the scoreboard in the first quarter whilst holding the Snakes at bay.

Oakleigh extended their lead at every change, while Richmond only managed an additional behind in each quarter bringing the final scoreline to 32-3.

This all-important victory keeps Oakleigh in fifth position, just one win outside the top 4. They will need to carry this momentum through their next two match ups and hope other results go their way should they wish to play finals football.

After a forgettable Round 13 loss, Old Trinity have bounced back to secure victory over Old Camberwell/AJAX away from home. The T’s 10 scoring shots converted to 3.7 (25) on the scoreboard, while the hosts registered just 3 behinds for the morning.

In frosty conditions with heavy turf under foot, Old Trinity did well to create opportunities inside 50 with some new faces relishing the opportunity; and it was Phoebe Hewertson and Stephanie Samartzis who slotted their first goals of the season.

The consistency of Natasha Borash and Lara Young showed once more for the T’s leading the charge for their side, while Louise Zhang was a stand out for Old Camberwell/AJAX earning best afield accolades in just her first match.

The amalgamated side of Old Camberwell/AJAX have, to their credit, taken every challenge in their stride and are hungry to try and secure their first win in Division 2 Women’s for the season in the final two rounds.

In a top 4 clash, the Hampton Rovers hosted Whitefriars on the weekend with the four points going the way of the visitors. The pendulum swung back and forth early with the Rovers taking an early advantage, before Whitefriars got busy in the second term to turn the tables in their favour.

While both sides extended their scores in the premiership quarter, Hampton got going in the final term to win the quarter with one final goal, and a strong defensive effort to keep the Friars scoreless. Alas, it was not quite enough as Whitefriars had done just enough to win by 6 points.

Clare Fernandes from Whitefriars had her best haul in front of the big sticks since Round 2, booting two goals and finishing as the only dual goal scorer from the match.

This loss is Hampton’s third of the season and they will look to bounce back to finish the season strong and in good standing with finals on the horizon. Whilst this win to the Friars will simply bolster their confidence as they close out their home and away season.

Power House are wasting no time to make their mark with a dominant victory that sees them soar into second place on a competitive ladder. Wet weather conditions resulted in a back-and-forth tussle early on against Mazenod, with very little reward for effort on the scoreboard.

After a half time rest and a welcome break in the conditions, Power House got busy to run away with a percentage boosting win. A five-goal second half saw them break away from Mazenod who only managed 2 behinds after half-time.

The in-form side finished with five individual goal kickers for the day, led by Kayla Slattery with two majors. Power House’s Caoilfhionn Culliton has found her season best form of late and steered her side impressively alongside a stellar performance from Joanne Down.

Despite a couple of recent losses, Mazenod are not to be underestimated as they will no doubt look to bounce back with their uncanny ability to cause major upset, which could stir the top order.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon are undoubtedly the powerhouse of the competition this season having only dropped one game back in Round 5. This weekend was no different as they went out and obliterated yet another opponent in an 11.16 (82) to 0.2 (2) rampage.

This week’s victim to fall at the hands of the Gryphons was Hawthorn who are currently sitting on four wins for the season. Glen Eira got their skates on early to rack up a score of 35 heading into the main break while a cohesive defensive effort kept the Hawks at bay with their points coming in the third and fourth quarters.

A five-goal bag deemed the third term the Gryphon’s best quarter with Lily Fitzpatrick and Aleesha Whittle at the helm. Whittle finished the day with 3 and Fitzpatrick 2, while they were among seven individual goal scorers for the home side.

When a 68-point buffer didn’t feel like quite enough at the final change, Glen Eira mustered up something special to charge home with an 80-point smashing.

It was a tough day out for a battered Hawthorn in a challenge that was always going to prove as great as the tallest mountain with Glen Eira’s unbeatable record.

All 10 teams will reset and go again for the 15^th round with the opener between Richmond Central and Hampton Rovers kicking off bright and early at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. Mazenod will host red-hot Whitefriars, while Old Trinity come up against Power House.

The top of the table plays the bottom as Glen Eira/Old McKinnon host Old Camberwell/AJAX in what could be another trouncing at the hands of the flag favourites. Meanwhile Hawthorn will face off against Oakleigh in a must win match for the Krushers who are currently on the cusp of finals eligibility.