Haileybury on the board, as Power House cause an upset

With the Easter break, all teams came back refreshed and ready to fire across the ANZAC Day Long Weekend. In an unexpected result, Power House pulled off an incredible 17-point win, defeating the ever-impressive Therry Penola. Whilst Old Haileybury are celebrating after claiming their first four points to jump up to 7^th on the ladder.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon remain top of the ladder, with a 27-point win over Whitefriars. Glen Eira’s strong defence was on display, holding Whitefriars to just four behinds for the game, with their highest score two behinds in the second quarter. Glen Eira had the opportunity to kick away in the fourth quarter, to boost their already high percentage even more. However, in unfavourable Melbourne conditions added just another 4 behinds to their total to finish on 31 at the final siren.

Lily Fitzpatrick was best on ground for the third time this season, mounting a case to be one of the strongest formers in this year’s competition. Fitzpatrick also kicked a goal, making this the third game in a row she has booted a major. For Whitefriars, Mia Smith earnt her first best on ground nomination.

Next up, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon will look to make it four in a row when they travel to play Old Haileybury whilst Whitefriars will travel to play Therry Penola.

Power House recorded their first win of the season, with a commanding 17-point victory over Therry Penola. It was an even match up for the majority of the game, with Power House taking a nine-point lead into the second quarter. Power House kicked 3.5 after the half to the Lions’ 2.3 to take home the four points.

Despite the fairly even display of skill and grit displayed on field between the two sides, the deficit inflicted in the second term proved costly for the Lions to overcome. This upset win will give Power House a much needed confidence boost, and with just three matches in the books they are right in the competition.

Zoe Uwland and Danielle Butler were best on for Power House, whilst Lisa McCombs was important with two goals. Abbey Duggan had three goals for the Lions, whilst Gemma Macgregor was best on.

Therry Penola will host Whitefriars on Saturday morning, whilst Power House face a tough match up in Oakleigh at Scammell Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Oakleigh recorded an impressive win over the Hampton Rovers on Saturday morning, running out 11-point victors. It was a tough contest, however, Oakleigh set themselves up from the get-go, kicking 2.1 in the first quarter. The Krushers won the second, before the Rovers fought back in the third to claw the deficit back to just 5 points.

It was a thrilling end to the match, with two goals to Oakleigh and one to the Rovers in the final term. The victory sees Oakleigh move into third on the ladder, while the Rovers remain in striking distance holding down fifth position with a decent percentage.

Milly Smith, Hollie Brodribb and Mandy Naylor all earnt consecutive best on ground nominations, whilst Oakleigh captain Ruby Ford continued her impressive start to the season.

In Round 4, the Rovers will play Richmond Central at Kevin Bartlett Reserve on Saturday morning, whilst Oakleigh will host Power House.

Monash Blues recorded their third win in a row to remain in second on the ladder, defeating Richmond Central by 22 points. Both sides had their hands on the Sherrin in the first half and were able to show for it by converting on the scoreboard. With their nose just in front, Monash held a 10-point buffer at the main break.

Whilst they saw a lot of the ball in their forward 50 for the second half, the Blues managed just 1.6. However, through a strong defensive performance, the Blues held Richmond scoreless after half-time, with their 2 straight goals their final points for the day.

Samanatha Rodgers was best on ground kicking two goals, whilst Blues captain Sarah-Jade Rose and Tiarna Jericho were also impressive. Julie Dortmans, Tenille Moselen and Georgie Hobill were the best for Richmond.

The undefeated Blues will host the winless Hawks on Saturday afternoon, whilst Richmond will host the Rovers on Saturday morning.

The final match of the round was the opportunity for one side to claim their first 4-points of the season and start their climb up the Division 1 Women’s ladder. Hawthorn hosted Old Haileybury at Rathmines Road Reserve in the evening timeslot. The yellow Sherrin was a hot commodity at both ends of the ground in a competitive looking outfit, with Old Haileybury claiming victory by 36 points.

On paper, this appeared an even match up coming in with both teams looking to get on the board and make their mark in the competition. In the end it was Haileybury who wanted it more and were able to deliver on the scoreboard. To their credit, we did see a much-improved Hawks side through persistent defensive efforts under the leadership of skipper Tessa Bodin.

Haileybury held the Hawks to just one point in the first half, piling on 3.7 to take a 24-point lead into half time. They threatened to put the game away in the third quarter, however, kicking 1.6 kept the Hawks with a slight chance. Ultimately, Haileybury held strong with two goals in the last quarter.

Poppy Murdoch had two goals for Haileybury, whilst Leesa Guastella, Jasmine Carty and Zahra Clavarino rounded out the top three. Vice-Captain Charlotte Miller led from the front for the Hawks in defeat.

Hawthorn faces a tough challenge in Round 4, playing the undefeated Monash Blues at Frearson Oval, while Old Haileybury will host Glen Eira/Old McKinnon.