Round 7 Premier B Women’s Review

Round 7 of Premier B Women’s saw Old Xaverians announce themselves as genuine finals contenders, producing a devastating second-half blitz to stun Port Melbourne Chargers at JL Murphy Reserve. Beaumaris extended their flawless run to seven on an emotional afternoon honouring the lives of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, while Old Melburnians continued to find ways to win close contests and Parkside staged a remarkable second-half comeback against Old Yarra Cobras.

The weekend kicked off at Packer Park, where Old Melburnians ground out their third win by 10 points or fewer in four weeks, edging past Glen Eira/Old McKinnon by eight points, 3.4 (22) to 2.2 (14).

In a contest defined by defensive pressure on both sides, neither team could break clear. Old Melburnians held a one-point lead at the main break before Prue Harvey’s goal in the third term gave the Omlettes some breathing room.

The Gryphons drew back within a point early in the final term, but another major to Harvey proved enough to see the Omlettes home.

Old Melburnians assistant coach Nic Stephens praised his side’s ability to win another tight contest.

“We’re probably not playing our best footy at the moment, but despite that we’re managing to battle it out and win close, physical games,” Stephens said. “It makes a big difference having that belief in the team that we know we can pull tight games out of the hat.”

Stephens singled out Caitlyn Bayley, who was impressive in the ruck, having to take on an increased load after Lily Wallace went down injured in the first quarter. Zari Mildenhall and Georgia Dunlop’s ball use through the midfield also stood out, while Sally Peers was her reliable self across half-back.

The match also marked co-captain Amelia Kogler’s 50th game for Old Melburnians – a milestone made all the sweeter by the victory.

“Kogs has been such an important figure for the team and club since she arrived on the scene,” Stephens said. “She sets the standard every week.”

For Glen Eira, Eimear Scally and Gemma Strangio were again among the best.

Beaumaris extended their perfect season to seven wins with a 31-point victory over Williamstown CYMS at William St Reserve, winning 7.6 (48) to 2.5 (17), on what was an emotional afternoon for the Sharks.

The match doubled as Beaumaris’ “Shining Bright” tribute game for Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones – a significant event for the club and wider community that added extra weight to the occasion.

On the field, the Sharks were clinical in the opening term, kicking three goals to establish a 13-point lead at quarter time. Williamstown responded in the second quarter, winning the territory battle and creating chances; however, they found themselves unable to convert. The Sharks snuck through a few late goals to stretch the margin out to 28 points at half-time.

The second half became an arm-wrestle, with Williamstown holding Beaumaris scoreless in the third term, before Beaumaris fought back in the final term to take the final margin to 31 points.

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow praised his players’ ability to handle the emotion of the day.

“It took a lot of energy to maintain focus during the game, but the girls did so amazingly,” Farrow said. “The game was won through our efficiency out of the middle in the first half.”

Farrow acknowledged Williamstown’s support, noting the CYs “wore the pink socks and armbands, played the game hard and fair, and then joined us for the post-game function.”

Sarah Collins wound back the clock in the ruck, while Olivia Smith continued her outstanding season with two more goals. Cassandra Newman and Katelyn Randall were again among the Sharks’ best.

Over at JL Murphy Reserve, Old Xaverians produced a blistering third-quarter blitz to claim a big scalp, defeating Port Melbourne Chargers 8.4 (52) to 4.11 (35).

The Chargers appeared in control early, dominating territory across the first half despite struggling with accuracy in front of goal. Port Melbourne managed five scoring shots to Old Xavs’ one in the second term, but couldn’t convert, leaving them trailing by seven points at half-time.

What followed was one of the best quarters of the season. Old Xaverians exploded out of the rooms with four goals in the space of seven minutes, blowing the game open and leaving Port Melbourne reeling. The Chargers managed two late goals to trim the deficit, but the damage was done, with the Xavs leading by 19 points at the final change.

The final term was a see-sawing affair – despite increasing their pressure, Port Melbourne were unable to make further inroads.

Lia Siniakov was the star of the show, kicking four goals – including three in that commanding third term – to announce herself as one of the competition’s most damaging forwards. Amy Benifer and Sophia Hannebery were also influential in a complete team performance from Old Xaverians.

For the Chargers, it was a tough day despite the effort never being in question.  Georgia Smith battled hard, finishing with two majors of her own.

At Schramms Reserve, Parkside produced a stunning second-half comeback to overrun Old Yarra Cobras, recovering from a 17-point half-time deficit to win 7.6 (48) to 5.4 (34).

The Cobras looked in control through the first two quarters, with their run and carry opening Parkside up. Old Yarra found the goals with regularity, managing four first-half majors to set themselves up for the remainder of the game – or so itseemed.

Whatever was said at half-time worked wonders for Parkside. They kicked the first four goals of the third term, before Old Yarra managed to slow their momentum with a goal through Alannah Murray. It was neck and neck at the final change, with Parkside leading by a slim three points.

Emily Rayment led from the front in the final term, slotting two quick goals to earn Parkside enough breathing room to hold on until the final siren.

Parkside coach Anthony Romano acknowledged his side was outplayed early but praised their response.

“Old Yarra were all over us in the first half,” he said. “In the second half we brought more pressure and made some positional changes that helped.”

He highlighted Emily Rayment and April Hamilton for giving Parkside first use out of the middle in the second half, while also praising Georgia Lindemans’ intercept marking efforts.

For Old Yarra, it was a heart-breaking result after such a promising first half, leaving the Cobras still searching for their second win.

Next round, Old Xaverians will host Beaumaris in what promises to be a blockbuster, with the Xavs facing a genuine test of whether their recent surge can trouble the competition’s only unbeaten side. Two more contenders will square off, with Port Melbourne Chargers desperate to arrest their slide when they welcome Williamstown CYMS to JL Murphy Reserve, while Old Melburnians face Old Yarra Cobras and Parkside host Glen Eira/Old McKinnon in two contests with finals implications.