Vultures continue unbeaten run with big win over Hawks

Parkdale 6.9 45 def Hawthorn 4.2 26

The Vultures have once again proved they are a force to be reckoned with, handing the Hawks their second loss of the season.

It was an even start from both teams with Parkdale holding a one-point lead at quarter time, before kicking away in the second to hold the Hawks to a point in the second and third quarter.

The Vultures held a 23-point lead coming into the final term, and even a late pair of goals from the Hawks couldn’t help them as the Vultures ran away 19-point victors.

Hawks coach Aaron Miller lauded his team’s effort against a consistently strong opposition.

“It was a highly contested and evenly fought match across all four quarters against a very experienced Parkdale side,” Miller said.

“While Parkdale were able to gain momentum and control through the second and third quarters, I was incredibly proud of the way our group continued to compete and never gave in.

“The girls showed enormous character to fight the game out right until the final siren, particularly knowing how important the occasion was with one of our most loved players, Emily Scott, celebrating her 100th game for the club.

“Overall, I could not question the effort, determination and spirit our players showed all day. There was a lot to like about the way we competed against a quality opposition.”

This week, Hawthorn host Old Yarra, while Parkdale look to continue their strong start to the season against Caulfield at home.

Prahan/Collegians 3.7 25 def Caulfield 2.1 13

It was an even start with both teams kicking a point in the first quarter, with the game being a contested grind.

Caulfield took a three-point lead into the half-time break before Prahan kicked away in the third, gaining control of the game with a nine-point lead heading into the last.

With a goal apiece in the last quarter, it was Prahan who ran away with the 12-point victory.

Prahan vice-president Paul Taylor highlighted the team’s great efforts in the low-scoring affair.

“The contest started as it would finish – with the opposition contesting the play around the ball making it difficult to get the ball outside to our kickers,” Taylor said.

“The whole game was an arm wrestle that we didn’t get control of until the third quarter.

“In a low scoring affair our women battled hard all day and came away with a hard earned and deserved 12 -point win.

“There were some excellent passages of play into our forward line and unbelievable work by our defenders to keep the opposition from putting a score on the board.

“The team continues to improve and learn each week and look forward to the facing off against Old Haileybury this week. In short, a great effort from our women who should all be very proud.”

Prahan/Collegians come up against Old Haileybury in a battle for second place on the ladder, with Caulfield facing the tough task of playing Parkdale at Parkdale.

Old Haileybury 12.11 83 def Old Yarra 0.1 1

Old Haileybury continued their five-game winning streak with a complete domination over Old Yarra at Princes Park.

The Hearts held the Cobras to just a point thanks to a defensive shutdown across all four quarters. Tess Baxter had a day out, kicking four goals, while vice-captain Gypsy Fowell kicked three of her own, and two to Reanna Barbakas.

The Heart’s onslaught could have been even greater had they found better position in front of goal, kicking at just 52 per cent efficiency.

Old Yarra will face another tough opponent in Round 7 against Hawthorn, while Old Haileybury come up against Prahan/Collegians in a second verses third clash.