Stalemate steals the show as Xavs and Tigers go toe-to-toe

Round 6 of Premier B Women’s had something for everyone, with the competition bearing witness to the first draw of the season, a top of the table clash, and another nail-biting match decided by less than a goal.

In a gripping contest at Toorak Park, Old Xaverians and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers could not be separated, finishing on 7.4 (46) apiece.

With their vice-captain, Amy Benifer, going down before the first bounce, Old Xavs could have been forgiven for starting the game with a few qualms. However, the opposite proved to be true, as Xavs piled on four goals in a dominant first term to lead by 12 at the first break.

The Tigers, led by captain Maddi Wilson, refused to bow out, clawing their way back into the contest to trail by just one point at three-quarter time.

The final term was a tense arm-wrestle, with both sides trading goals and neither able to break the deadlock. Larissa Lewis slotted a major at the 12-minute mark to earn the Tigers the lead for the first time that day, before a behind to Amelie Menegola in the final minutes brought the two sides level, with neither side able to find a further score to steal the victory.

2024 Anytime Fitness Rising Star nominee, Anabelle Gangi, was instrumental for Old Xavs, finishing the day with two majors, while Olivia Steinfort starred for SBMT, registering her first goal since 2022.

Tigers Coach Meg Fisher noted her side’s need to start games better, while praising the team’s ability to find another gear as the game went on.

“Energy and talk on the field was good. After a couple of tough games, it was great to have repeat forward entries, and better ball movement down the ground,” said Fisher.

The Tigers will face another test next week when they host Westbourne at Mentone Reserve, while Old Xaverians will get a chance to rest with the bye.

Old Brighton have cemented their place atop the ladder by continuing their undefeated streak with a gritty win over Port Melbourne Chargers at JL Murphy Reserve, prevailing 6.6 (42) to 4.1 (25) in a match that lived up to its billing as a top-of-the-table showdown.

In slippery conditions, both sides were locked at 1.1 (7) apiece after a tense first quarter. However, Old Brighton’s midfield dominance broke the game open in the second, with a flurry of goals in the second and third terms earning the Tonners a commanding 33-point lead at the final change.

Showing tenacity and a never-say-die attitude, the Chargers battled to get the game back on their terms during the final term, booting three goals in a late surge to bring the margin back to 17 points at the final siren.

Chargers coach Harriet Cooper commended the resilience shown by her side, “Even when the scoreboard wasn’t in our favour and the wet conditions made things tough, the players dug deep and fought hard. This shows a lot about their character and commitment.”

When asked if he could identify where the game was won, Old Brighton coach Andrew Grant said, “Both teams were evenly matched but we ended up able to win some important stoppages and contested ball which enabled us to get our running game going.”

“Another very even performance from the team but once again Bridgette Hagan was strong and fearless and the Tait sisters, Indi and Jas, were important.”

From the Chargers’ line-up, it was Maia Sublet who received the coach’s votes, for displaying great work ethic as she battled tirelessly in the ruck all day.

Over at Andrew Park Pavilion, Westbourne Grammarians edged out Old Melburnians, holding on in the final term to cinch a 6.3 (39) to 5.4 (34) victory in a match defined by momentum swings.

Both sides played high-quality football in the first half, with the Omlettes taking a slender one-goal lead into the main break, but it was Caitlyn Gashi who turned the tide in the third term, igniting a Westbourne surge with three goals in a four-goal blitz that left Old Melburnians scrambling to regain composure before the final change.

Spurred on by a passionate three-quarter time address from coach Nic Stephens, the Omlettes responded in the final term, kicking two goals to reduce the final deficit to just five points.

“I asked the girls at three quarter time to show me who we were as a team and whether we were the type of team that would go into our shell when things got tough, or whether we had the fortitude to dig deep and fight back,” said Stephens.

“We obviously didn’t end up with the result going in our favour, but I was still really proud that the girls gathered themselves back up and made it a much more competitive game.”

The result highlights the importance of staying engaged for four full quarters, which Stephens acknowledges as a key area of improvement for the Omlettes, along with their need to work on slowing opposition momentum when other teams get a roll on.

On the other hand, Westbourne coach Chris Grant was full of praise for his side’s four-quarter effort, in which every player was able to contribute and impact the game.

“We know we have to improve a lot to be able to match it with top teams such as Old Brighton and Port Melbourne Chargers, but the girls are continuing to work hard on all areas of their game to get there. There are positive signs we are on the right track at this early stage of the season.”

In terms of individual performances, Grant praised the work of Sam Moodie, who stepped up as ruck in her third game of the season, filling the shoes of captain Morganne Gaston.

For the Omlettes, debutant Rosie Rush played a selfless game, leading the way in 1-percenters, while first-year player Pia Jurcic provided a spark when her team needed it, playing her best game of the season.

The woes continued for MUWFC, who went down to Marcellin by 53 points. The Sheagles came out firing, scoring 4.3 (27) to 0 in the first term to set themselves up with a handy lead.

While play was more even through the remainder of the game than the scoreboard would suggest, the Mugars found themselves unable to convert their opportunities into scoreboard pressure.

Coach Michael Goldsmith of Melbourne Uni was pleased by the improvements his team showed, including much stronger one-on-one contests and stoppages, however, he acknowledged the work they still need to put in on forward craft and line connection.

Despite the loss, Melbourne University had many players perform well, with Jo Collins, Bridget Hudson and Zoe Kertesz all starring.

For Marcellin, Zoe Glascott led the forward line once again with three majors, while Billie Harvey and Lani Pane continued their hot streaks of form.

The Old Yarra Cobras sat out on the weekend with the Bye and will be recharged and rearing to go come Round 7 when they come up against the ladder-leaders in Old Brighton. Old Melburnians are set to host Marcellin at Elsternwick Park, whilst St Bedes/Mentone Tigers face off against Westbourne Grammarians. On Sunday at Melbourne University Oval, MUWFC will welcome the Port Melbourne Chargers for the first time, while Old Xaverians will have the week off with the Bye.