Williamstown CYMS make an instant splash, as Sharks continue to sail in Premier B Women’s

Round 5 of Premier B Women’s welcomed a new face to the competition, with Williamstown CYMS entering the division following La Trobe University’s mid-season regrading back to the divisional grades.

The newcomers from William Buck Premier Women’s made an immediate statement, while Beaumaris continued their march towards finals football with a fifth consecutive victory. Off the field, it was a special weekend across the VAFA as clubs continued to show their support for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Round, with Premier B Women’s sides joining in the fundraising efforts.

The big story of the round was Williamstown CYMS’ arrival in Premier B Women’s, and they wasted no time announcing themselves, handing Old Melburnians a 25-point defeat at Elsternwick Park.

The visitors set the tone from the opening bounce, kicking two goals in quick succession in the first term to take a 14-point lead at the first break. A third major in the second quarter extended their advantage to 20 points at half-time, with Old Melburnians unable to find a major across the opening two terms.

The Omlettes rallied in the second half, with a tactical switch that saw Steph Barnett pushed into the forward line to provide a spark. Old Melburnians managed a goal to Zari Mildenhall in the final term, but it proved too little too late as Williamstown responded with two more of their own to run out comfortable winners, 5.5 (35) to 1.4 (10).

Old Melburnians assistant coach Nic Stephens acknowledged Williamstown’s quality.

“Credit to Williamstown – they were really good and showed why they were initially in William Buck Premier Women’s. They played with more physicality than us which knocked us a little bit off our game,” Stephens said.

While disappointed with the overall result, Stephens was pleased his side showed fight in the final quarter.

“It’s always tough trying to get back on top when you’ve been down all day, so I was pleased to see the girls show that type of maturity and resilience to wrestle control back a bit and show that we’re not the type to give up the fight.”

Stephens singled out Steph Barnett for an outstanding performance across the ground, praising the tactical switch to play her forward as a “masterstroke” from assistant Dave Cafferkey. Zari Mildenhall was also impressive through the midfield, while Sally Peers, Clare Fraser and Pia Juricic continued their consistent seasons.

For Williamstown, Jess Court, Jasmine Farrugia and Megan Hazel Smart were among the standouts in a four-quarter effort that served as a warning to the rest of the competition.

Old Xaverians secured their second win of the season in a tense five-point victory over Glen Eira/Old McKinnon at Packer Park, winning 3.8 (26) to 3.3 (21).

In a match that could have gone either way, the Xavs were made to work for every point by a competitive Gryphons outfit. Old Xaverians struggled to capitalise on repeated inside-50 entries with the wind in the first quarter, managing only behinds and failing to establish any scoreboard pressure.

Glen Eira came to play and remained in the contest throughout, with Alice Wolfenden kicking all three of the Gryphons’ goals. However, a clutch final quarter from Old Xaverians – in which they managed to score against the wind – proved the difference.

Having endured two defeats by less than a goal already this season, the Xavs will be relieved to have finally found themselves on the right side of a close finish.

Old Xaverians coach Doug Greenough admitted the game wasn’t played on their terms but praised his group’s ability to get the job done.

“The playing group found a way to win,” Greenough said. “Our backline were under pressure most of the game but worked well together, holding structure with plenty of communication between them. They showed composure late in the final quarter which was pleasing to see.”

Amy Benifer was the difference-maker in the last term spending time in the midfield, while captain Mel Clarke led by example through the contest. Chiara Chiarelli also impressed, taking strong overhead marks and finishing with two goals.

For Glen Eira, Sarah Fitzpatrick and Gemma Strangio continued their outstanding seasons.

At Doncaster Reserve, Beaumaris produced their most dominant performance of the season, overwhelming Old Yarra Cobras by 80 points to continue their undefeated streak.

The Sharks were clinical from the outset, kicking three goals in the first term before piling on four more in the second to take a commanding 43-point lead into half-time. Old Yarra’s Sidni Finch provided a late second-quarter highlight with the Cobras’ sole goal, but Beaumaris continued to pile on the pressure in the second half, eventually running out 12.17.89 to 1.3.9 victors.

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow pointed to his side’s dominance around the stoppages as the key factor.

“We were able to win the clearances and transition the ball quickly into our forward line,” Farrow said.

Olivia Smith was the star of the show, kicking four goals to take her season tally to nine, while Sienna Tedde and Mia Ursprung each contributed two. Gemma Holland was rewarded as the best player for her clean ball use.

For Old Yarra, Lily Borg and Sophia Hrysoulakis were among those who competed hard throughout.

Despite the scoreline, the match was played in great spirit. Farrow was quick to praise the opposition’s hospitality, with both clubs coming together after the match to raise money for BCNA.

Port Melbourne Chargers cemented their position in the top two with a commanding 20-point victory over Parkside at Pitcher Park, winning 6.4 (40) to 3.2 (20).

Star forward Georgia Harris was at her devastating best, kicking five goals – including two in the opening term – as the Chargers built a 12-point lead at quarter time and extended it to 24 points by half-time.

To their credit, Parkside tightened up defensively after the main break, holding Port Melbourne goalless across the second half. However, the damage had already been done, with the Chargers’ first-half efficiency proving the difference.

Parkside coach Anthony Romano acknowledged his side was hurt by their ball use in the first half.

“First half Port Melbourne hurt us on our turnover and used the ball well,” Romano said. “Second half we tightened up on transition and it was a hard-fought game ’til the end.”

Romano praised Ella Smallcombe, Maisie Welsh and Heidi Gardam as solid contributors across all four quarters, while Madison Katerelos continues to be one of Parkside’s most consistent performers this season.

For the Chargers, Maia Sublet, Zara Wilson and Chloe Kamberis were standouts, while Harris’s five-goal haul takes her season tally to 17 from five games – eight clear of the next best in the competition.

Next week, Williamstown CYMS will look to build on their impressive debut when they host Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, while Port Melbourne Chargers and Old Melburnians clash in what shapes as the match of the round between two sides with finals aspirations. Old Xaverians will be keen to make it back-to-back wins when they face Old Yarra Cobras, and Parkside take on the unenviable task of trying to halt Beaumaris’ perfect start to the season.