Round 5 regrade sparks big wins across Premier B

Heading into Round 5, Premier B Women’s experienced a shake-up, as the results of re-grading saw Beaumaris promoted to the Premier grade, while winless sides, Coburg and Parkdale Vultures, moved out of the Prem B competition. In their place, Premier B Women’s welcomed Melbourne University Women’s (MUWFC) and Old Yarra Cobras.

It was a tough introduction to Premier B for MUWFC, who travelled to Brighton Beach Oval to take on top-placed Old Brighton.

The match was effectively won in the first term, with Old Brighton dominating the play and successfully converting their opportunities. Captain Indi Tait started the match tremendously, kicking three of their six first-term goals to earn the Tonners a 39-point lead at the first break.

Showing no mercy, Old Brighton went on to extend their lead at each break, with the final scoreboard reading 12.13 (85) to 0.0 (0).

 “Again, a very even contribution from the team and a willingness not to relax at any stage of the game,” said coach Andrew Grant.

In terms of areas of improvement, Grant highlighted the team’s need to continue working hard on tackling and pressure, which is likely to prove an important factor when they come up against second-placed Port Melbourne Chargers next week.

Over at Elsternwick Park, Old Melburnians got back on the winners list, with a convincing 5.9 (39) to 0.3 (3) victory over Old Xaverians.

With the Omlettes coming into the match off the back of two consecutive losses, it was vital that they got their season back on track with another win, while Old Xaverians were looking to continue building momentum after producing two good wins in the previous weeks.

It was a hotly contested first term, with the Omlettes scoring the only major of the quarter, allowing a 6-point lead at the first break. Old Melburnians continued to pepper away at the scoreboard, gradually extending their lead across the next two terms, until a strong final term (14-0) saw the Omlettes secure the win by 36 points.

Old Melburnians coach Nic Stephens lauded his team’s ability to stay confident after a tough couple of weeks, as well as their successful implementation of the improvements they had been working on at training.

Stephens was also full of praise for the Omlettes backline, with defensive trio Steph Barnett, Em Fraser and Emma Chamberlain all stepping up on the day.

“I give our backs a lot of credit for the weekend. We’d asked the whole team to tighten up our structures and they went out and got the job done this week. In particular, our defensive zone really held up as we moved it higher up the ground to try and choke off rebounds before they became a threat.”

Ellen Williams continued her hot form with another best on ground performance, while Millie Peterson had the best game of her career, playing a selfless game in the forward line.

For Old Xaverians, Mel Clarke and Melissa Poulton continued their streaks of form, named the best players for their side.

The four premiership points sees Old Melburnians claim third place on the ladder, while Old Xaverians sit in seventh.

In their first game in Premier B after moving down from Premier A, Old Yarra Cobras faced a tough challenge against the in-form Port Melbourne Chargers. The Chargers, who had won all their matches since a narrow loss in the season opener, flexed their muscles once again to triumph by 74 points.

The Chargers set the tone early, leading 3.2 (20) to 1.1 (7) at the end of the first quarter. With the first break message a reminder to stay composed with the football, Port Melbourne extended their lead significantly by halftime, with the scoreline reading 7.8 (50) to 1.1 (7).

The Chargers continued to take charge in the second half, hitting a final score of 13.10 (88) to Old Yarra’s 2.2 (14).

Port Melbourne coach Harriet Cooper attributed the win to their midfield dominance and pressure around the ball, which provided the forwards with ample opportunities.

Cooper also commended the team’s intensity and teamwork, as well as their defensive efforts, highlighted by the forward pressure brought by Olivia Box and Amelie Kamberis, who helped to keep the ball locked in the Chargers’ forward half.

Star forward Georgia Harris claimed top spot in the league goal tally with another five-goal haul, while Charlie Pritchard also caught the coach’s attention, kicking two after moving up from the Reserves.

Back at their home ground for the first time this year, Westbourne Grammarians celebrated “Family Day” with a 40-point win over Marcellin.

A dominant first quarter set Westbourne up for the win, with the home side kicking four unanswered goals in the first term, much to the delight of coach Chris Grant.

“Our girls started the game very well which was great as it’s been a focus for us over the past few weeks. We gave our forwards plenty of opportunities early in the game and they were able to capitalise.”

Marcellin fired up in the second term, whittling the margin back to 20 points before the main break, however, they were unable to maintain momentum in the second half, as Westbourne made the most of their time on home deck to win 8.15 (63) to 3.5 (23).

Flagging the focus on development for his side this year, Grant praised the performances of emerging young players, Sarah Dickie and Mia Graf, who had their best games of the season so far.

In front of goals, Stephanie Williams (2 goals) and Temeika Cathery (1 goal) starred for Westbourne, while Alana Pane, Maddy Rush and Zoe Glascott were the goal scorers for Marcellin.

Tania Carpinteri and Charlotte van der Vlies were the key performers for the Sheagles on the day.

After a heavy defeat in Round 4, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers had a bye to regroup and prepare for their Round 6 clash against Old Xaverians.