Cobras break the drought, Omlettes cement top three spot

Round 8 of the Premier B Women’s season brought the heat – Old Yarra Cobras took home the chocolates for the first time this year, Port Melbourne Chargers and Old Melburnians continued to prove themselves as contenders, and Old Brighton once again had the wood over rival side Marcellin.

Old Yarra Cobras secured their first victory of the season in emphatic fashion, overpowering Melbourne University Women’s 15.15 (105) to 2.2 (14) at Doncaster Reserve.

With both sides entering the match yet to score a win, it was anyone’s game. However, it was the Cobras who seized control from the first bounce, dominating territory and applying relentless pressure. Their midfield group set the tone early, winning contests and locking the ball in their forward half.

By halftime, they had built a commanding 38-point lead, and they didn’t let up from there.

The Cobras piled on another 10 goals in the second half to triumph by 91 points at the final siren, a result that reflected weeks of hard work and improvement from the young group.

“Resilience is one of our program values, and if you saw the smiles on the players faces each week, and the continual drive to improve each session, you wouldn’t know that we have had a tough start to the season scoreboard wise,” said Cobras coach Michael Talbot.

Talbot praised the evenness of the team performance and the growing connection across all three lines.

Amelia Hitchcock was standout up forward, earning three goals by applying consistent pressure, while Ashton Billing and Charli McClure were also strong finishing with two apiece. The return of experienced defenders Casey, Ellie, and Carly helped steer the backline, while the ruck duo of Belinda and Steph not only controlled the hit-outs but also hit the scoreboard.

While the scoreboard didn’t fall their way, MUWFC showed glimpses, particularly through their developing midfield craft – something they’ll look to build on in the back half of the season.

“Our backline was outstanding under constant pressure, led by Nell Washington with great support from Beth Hennessy, Iona Moller, Phoebe Johnson and Scarlett Senior,” said Melbourne University coach Michael Goldsmith.

“Our effort and commitment to playing four quarters never wavered.”

Port Melbourne Chargers continued the exceptional start to their inaugural season with an impressive 59-point win over Old Xaverians.

From the outset, the Chargers were clinical, kicking three goals in the opening term while holding Old Xavs to just a solitary behind. Their intensity around the contest and ability to maximise opportunities proved decisive, as they extended their lead at every break.

While Old Xaverians applied significant pressure, the Chargers ability to stay calm and execute the game plan kept them in control of the game, eventually defeating Old Xavs 9.13 (67) to 1.2 (8).

Coach Harriet Cooper pointed to voice as a key element in the win, stating: “The communication on the field was also much improved, leading to better defensive organisation and more fluid attacking plays. It was clear that everyone was playing for each other, and that’s a truly powerful thing to witness.”

Lydia Rainey and Cameron Millias were influential in the midfield and half-back line, showing relentless work rate while they amassed disposals. In attack, usual suspect Georgia Harris added another two to their season tally to reclaim the league’s lead.

Old Xaverians struggled to find rhythm against the well-drilled Chargers outfit but continued to bring the heat throughout the day, forcing unnecessary turnovers from the Chargers. Julia McLean kicked their only goal in the final term, while Eliza Hynes and Melissa Poulton were among the best in a tough outing.

With the win, Port Melbourne solidified their place in the top two, while Old Xavs will look to regroup ahead of a crucial stretch in the second half of the season.

Old Melburnians travelled to Mentone Reserve to take on St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, with the two sides competing for third place on the ladder. It was the Omlettes who came away victorious, defeating the Tigers 8.8 (56) to 2.5 (17), in a match that showcased Old Melburnian’s two modes: manic pressure and composed ball use.

The Omlettes got off to a fast start, kicking two goals in the opening term while keeping the Tigers scoreless. Although St Bedes/Mentone Tigers responded with more intensity in the second quarter, Old Melburnians held firm, maintaining a 13-point lead at the main break.

From there, they pulled away, kicking five goals to one in the second half to seal a convincing 39-point victory.

Omlettes coach Nick Stephens credited the win to his side’s ability to stay calm and bring pressure across all lines.

“At half time we asked the girls to take a breath, don’t rush and then do the extra 1%ers to help give each other a little extra time to make the right decision and execute. To me that was the key for us holding on to the lead for the remainder of the game.”

Tigers coach Meg Fisher lauded the strong performance of the Omlettes, while also acknowledging inconsistency and inefficiency as two key concerns for her side.

“Old Melburnians were clean with the ball, strong in the air and stayed switched on for most of the game. We had lapses in concentration that cost us, and a few chances on goal that we let slip.”

Despite the result, Fisher was more than happy to celebrate the small wins within her team.

“So happy with Larissa Lewis hitting the scoreboard, she has been influential in setting up scores the past few weeks and really deserved those 2 goals of her own.”

For Stephens, it was hard to separate the players in another team performance, with everyone stepping up when needed.

Eloise Faulks was the main target up forward, finishing with three goals, while Millie Peterson and Em Cafferky led by example with forward pressure. In the middle, Lily Wallace and Ella Bennetts dominated in the ruck, giving the midfield group – led by Ellen Williams, Zari Mildenhall, and Clare Fraser – first use. Down back, Caitlyn Bayley and Holly Hunt were tasked with shutting down key Tigers and delivered with poise.

In a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s Division 1 Grand Final, Old Brighton once again proved too strong for Marcellin, claiming a 20-point win at Bulleen Park, 6.16 (52) to 5.2 (32).

The contest was a genuine arm wrestle, with both sides bringing intensity and physicality from the opening bounce. Old Brighton jumped out to an early lead, kicking three goals to one in the first term, and maintained their advantage through disciplined defence and midfield dominance.

Marcellin’s pressure was commendable, particularly in forcing Old Brighton into inaccuracy in front of goal, but costly lapses late in the second and third quarters saw the visitors capitalise.

Marcellin coach Paul Harvey acknowledged the impact of those moments: “They scored three goals in red time in the second and third quarters which hurt us and showed that our defensive efforts waned a little as the quarters wore on. Old Brighton are too good to give them a sniff.”

Coach Andrew Grant praised his side’s collective performance: “We won the game through our strong midfield and a tight, disciplined defence. Again, the performance was very even with everyone contributing.”

For Marcellin, Ava Menzies was best on, repeatedly taking the game on to try and help her side craft an attack, while Alana Pane and Stephanie Bridge were also standout.

Old Brighton remains undefeated atop the ladder, while Marcellin will look to bounce back after the bye by eradicating their late quarter lapses.

All teams have the weekend off with the King’s Birthday Bye round. Football returns the following weekend as we enter the second half of the season. Old Melburnians are set to take on the Old Yarra Cobras, while Port Melbourne Chargers welcome St Bedes/Mentone Tigers to JL Murphy Reserve. Old Xaverians will host Marcellin in a battle of 7^th vs 6^th and MUWFC have a home game on Sunday against Westbourne Grammarians. Old Brighton have a chance to catch their breath after a red hot start with a bye in Round 9.