Beaumaris survive biggest challenge yet against ruthless Old Xaverians in Premier B Women’s

Round 8 of Premier B Women’s saw Beaumaris pushed to the brink for the first time this season, with Old Xaverians coming within two points of ending the Sharks’ unbeaten run.

Elsewhere, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon exploded into life with their biggest win of the season, Williamstown CYMS produced a statement performance against Port Melbourne Chargers, and Old Melburnians continued to defend their position in second with a dominant victory over Old Yarra Cobras.

Old Melburnians recorded a dominant 60-point victory over Old Yarra Cobras at Elsternwick Park, winning 9.14 (68) to 1.2 (8).

The Omlettes were clinical from the outset, kicking two goals in the first quarter while holding the Cobras scoreless, before extending their advantage to 27 points at half-time. Old Yarra managed their lone goal in the second term, but Old Melburnians were otherwise in complete control, piling on four goals in the final quarter to put the result well beyond doubt.

Old Melburnians assistant coach Nic Stephens pointed to the consistency across his entire playing group as the key factor.

“Across the board – from some of our girls with only a few games under their belts, to our more experienced on-field leaders – all of the girls had really good games,” Stephens said.

Stephens was pleased with the four-quarter effort, highlighting the team’s focus in front of goal.

“We managed to keep the effort going the whole game. I was really happy that we were able to maintain our discipline attacking goal and kept looking for the best option rather than blazing away.”

Steph Barnett produced a standout display, leading the backline in the first half before moving forward to kick three goals after half-time. Clare Fraser’s second efforts and tackling created numerous opportunities, Emily Antonie’s speed was elite through the midfield, and Harriet Kogler and Sally Peers continually provided attack from half-back.

For Old Yarra, Jayla Thorne, Alannah Murray and Aoife Nic a Bhaird were among the best in a tough day at the office.

At Pitcher Park, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon announced themselves to the competition, demolishing Parkside by 81 points, 13.6 (84) to 0.3 (3).

The Gryphons were ruthless from the opening bounce, kicking five first-half goals to take a 30-point lead at half-time.

The second half belonged entirely to Glen Eira, who kicked eight goals across the final two quarters – including six in a devastating last term – to run out comprehensive winners.

Glen Eira coach Mel Kuys said the game was won in the contest and on the outside.

“The ball use was a pleasing factor on Saturday and our efficiency inside forward 50,” Kuys said.

Eliza Morrison was outstanding with her positioning and awareness, while VFLW-listed Emily Harley proved a handy addition in her club debut. Gemma Strangio continued her remarkable season, picking up her eighth consecutive best player nomination.

For Parkside, it was their heaviest defeat of the season, but April Hamilton, Caitlin Robley and Maisie Welsh competed hard throughout.

Over at JL Murphy Reserve, Williamstown CYMS produced a commanding performance to overwhelm Port Melbourne Chargers by 29 points, 9.8 (62) to 4.9 (33).

The CYs blew the Chargers away in the first quarter, kicking five majors to lead by 27 points at quarter time. Port Melbourne were shell-shocked, managing just a single goal to Georgia Harris in response.

Williamstown maintained control in the second and third quarters, extending their lead to 39 points by the final change. The Chargers’ inaccuracy compounded their frustration, registering nine behinds in the middle two terms without converting.

Port Melbourne mounted a late charge in the final quarter through Nikolette Atkin (two goals) and Georgia Smith, but the deficit proved insurmountable.

Williamstown coach Chris Karakiozakis said his side set the game up with a strong first half.

“Our attack and pressure were fantastic, led from our half-back line by Jess Court,” Karakiozakis said.

Karakiozakis was also full of praise for Jasmine Farrugia and Annie Gantidis in the engine room, as well as Sharnie Whiting (three goals) and Sofi Georgas (two goals) in attack.

Port Melbourne coach Harriet Cooper conceded Williamstown’s pressure was the difference.

“We were able to get the ball forward effectively, but Williamstown’s consistent pressure and defence ultimately interrupted our scoring effectiveness,” Cooper said. “They moved the ball incredibly well, and their structures were very hard to beat.”

Cooper highlighted Jess Stolz for holding the defensive line together and Tanisha Clark for her immense work rate through the midfield.

The most gripping contest of the round took place at Basil Reserve, where Beaumaris survived their biggest scare of the season, holding off a determined Old Xaverians outfit by just two points, 4.5 (29) to 4.3 (27).

The Xavs produced a stellar opening quarter, with Amelie Menegola and Nikita Balic finding the goals to take a seven-point lead at the first change – a far cry from the slow starts that plagued them earlier in the season.

Beaumaris responded emphatically in the second term, kicking three unanswered goals through Olivia Smith, Amy Pearce and Cassandra Newman to seize a 25-14 advantage at half-time. Old Xaverians managed just one forward entry for the quarter – a  damning statistic that proved the difference in an otherwise remarkably even contest.

The Xavs steadied in the third quarter through Hannah Deane, before Olivia Benston’s goal early in the final term brought the margin back to a single point. With the game on the line, Beaumaris’ defensive resolve held firm, scraping through by the narrowest of margins.

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow acknowledged how close his side came to their first loss.

“Game could have gone either way – we were able to take our opportunities with the wind in Q2 and that was about it,” Farrow said. “Both sides enjoyed periods of dominance.”

Farrow praised his side’s resilience, noting they were undermanned on the bench with several players battling injury during the match.

Old Xaverians coach Doug Greenough was encouraged by his side’s competitive start and ability to take the game to the ladder-leaders.

“We ran out the game well, with high pressure acts across all four quarters,” Greenough said.

Maddy Stewart was a standout in defence for Old Xaverians, while Ruby Anderson impressed in a run-with role.

For the Sharks, Piper Phelan was outstanding across all four quarters with her ball use, while Amy Pearce and Cassandra Newman were strong through the midfield.

At the halfway mark of the season, Beaumaris remain on top with a perfect 8-0 record, while OldMelburnians have consolidated second with six wins. The battle for the remaining finals spots intensifies: Williamstown CYMS have surged into the picture with three wins from four games since entering the competition, Old Xaverians have shown they can match it with the top sides, and Port Melbourne Chargers hold on fourth appears to be slipping after three consecutive losses.