Omlettes crack Chargers, as Sharks hit a six

Round 6 of Premier B Women’s delivered a crucial result nearly halfway through the season, with Old Melburnians inflicting Port Melbourne Chargers’ second loss of the season in a tight contest at JL Murphy Reserve. Elsewhere, Beaumaris remained untouchable with a sixth consecutive victory, Old Xaverians made it back-to-back wins, and Williamstown CYMS continued their promising start to life in Premier B.

The weekend kicked off at Fearon Reserve, where Williamstown CYMS ground out a scrappy six-point victory over Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, winning 2.4 (16) to 1.4 (10) in a low-scoring arm-wrestle.

In a contest where neither side could find fluency, Williamstown’s Summer Moses opened the scoring with the sole goal of the first half. The CYs maintained their narrow advantage throughout, before Jessica Cassar extended the lead early in the final term.

Glen Eira fought hard but could not break through until a late goal brought them within six, only for time to run out on their comeback bid.

Williamstown coach Chris Karakiozakis was pleased with his side’s defensive effort and intensity.

“Defensively, our girls were fantastic – especially in the second half when under a lot of pressure,” Karakiozakis said, highlighting Kate Grady’s strong marking and physical presence in defence, along with Lily Hudson who contributed all over the ground.

For Glen Eira, Gemma Strangio earned yet another best player nomination – her sixth from six games – cementing her status as one of the most consistent performers in the competition.

In a clash between second and third on the ladder, Old Melburnians produced a season-best defensive effort to defeat Port Melbourne Chargers by 10 points, 3.4 (22) to 1.6 (12), at JL Murphy Reserve.

The Omlettes set the tone from the opening bounce, with Bella Freeman and Harriet Kogler kicking a goal apiece in the first term to take a 14-point lead into the first break, which proved pivotal in the final result.

Port Melbourne struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, managing just two behinds as Old Melburnians’ backline repelled everything that came their way. The Chargers lifted their intensity after half-time, with Nikolette Atkin breaking through for a goal in the third quarter, but Old Melburnians’ defensive structure held firm to secure the victory.

Both coaches believed that the first quarter was the difference.

“It’s always a really tough match-up against Port and we knew that we’d need to start really strong and take advantage of the wind,” said Old Melburnians’ Nic Stephens. “I think that really set us up for the rest of the game.”

Chargers coach Harriet Cooper conceded her side was left chasing after the Omlettes’ fast start.

“Old Melburnians really set the tone early. They started the game with immense intensity, and our group struggled to match that pressure in the first half,” Cooper said. “They were outstanding around the stoppage and used their outside space incredibly effectively, which put us on the back foot early on.”

Despite the loss, Cooper was proud of her side’s second-half response.

“Instead of letting the game slip away, the group dug in, came out physical and genuinely wanted the challenge. Our ability to lift our work rate and keep putting relentless pressure on them after half time was a massive positive.”

Cooper also praised Jess Stolz, who led the way in defence. 

“Her leadership, composure around the ball, and ability to read the play under pressure were outstanding.”

Stephens was equally complimentary of his defensive unit, who held Port Melbourne’s potent forward line – including competition leading goal-kicker Georgia Harris – to a single major. It was the first time this season Harris has been kept goalless.

“We definitely wouldn’t have been able to hold on to the lead without our backline’s discipline,” Stephens said.

The return of Lily Wallace and Georgia Dunlop provided a significant boost through the Omlettes’ midfield, supporting the ever-reliable Zari Mildenhall and Amelia Kogler.

Old Xaverians registered their first back-to-back win of the season with a hard-fought 12-point victory over Old Yarra Cobras at Basil Reserve, 5.9 (39) to 4.3 (27).

Having been in several close contests already this year, Xavs are now showing the composure needed to win tight games – though their inaccuracy almost cost them this week.

The Cobras drew first blood through Aoife Nic a Bhaird, but Old Xaverians responded immediately through Lia Siniakov, leaving the two sides separated by just two points at the first change.

Xavs took control in the second quarter, with Siniakov and Hannah Deane kicking a goal each to extend the margin to 11 points at half-time. A third-quarter goal to Ruby Anderson pushed the lead out to 18 points before the Cobras fought back with two late goals to trim the deficit back to six at three-quarter time.

Old Xaverians dominated territory in the final term, though inaccuracy kept the Cobras within touching distance until the clock ran out.

Old Xaverians coach Doug Greenough praised his side’s intensity but conceded their ability to finish let them down.

“Kicking 1.6 in the final quarter made things interesting. Kicking straight would have put us in a more commanding position,” Greenough said.

Greenough was pleased to welcome back Jess Slupecki and Emily Callinan from long-term injuries, both of whom made an immediate impact. Captain Mel Clarke and Hannah Deane led the way through the midfield, while the ruck duo of India Harries and Georgie Kerr worked tirelessly.

For Old Yarra, Charli McClure, Aoife Nic a Bhaird and Lily Borg were standouts in a brave performance from a side that refuses to be written off.

Beaumaris extended their perfect run to six wins with an authoritative 42-point victory over Parkside at Pitcher Park, winning 7.13 (55) to 1.7 (13).

Despite keeping Parkside goalless in the first half, the Sharks were made to work hard for their early advantage, with inaccuracy keeping the home side in the contest.

Parkside came out fighting in the third quarter, with Madison Katerelos breaking through for their sole goal. However, Beaumaris steadied and pulled away again in the final term.

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow acknowledged the competitiveness of the contest.

“The scoreline didn’t show the true nature of the contest, which was a hard-fought game,” Farrow said. “We were able to get more time in our forward half than Parkside and were a little more efficient with our goal-kicking.”

Farrow was particularly pleased by his team’s approach to trying new things and taking the game on, as highlighted by the performances of Ruby Raymond and Fern O’Brien.

Seven different goalkickers found the big sticks for Beaumaris, underlining the depth of the ladder-leaders.

Parkside coach Anthony Romano also felt the scoreboard didn’t reflect his side’s effort. While pleased with his side’s pressure, he identified the need to continue working on their ball movement.

Next week, Beaumaris host Williamstown CYMS in what will be an emotional occasion as the Sharks honour Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones with their “Shining Bright” tribute game. Elsewhere, Port Melbourne Chargers will look to bounce back against an in-form Old Xaverians outfit, Old Melburnians travel to Glen Eira/Old McKinnon seeking to continue their momentum, and Old Yarra Cobras host Parkside with both sides desperate to get back in the winners list.