CYs the day: Williamstown overpower Old Xavs in statement win

Round 9 of Premier B Women’s saw Beaumaris remain firmly entrenched at the top with a commanding second-half performance against Port Melbourne Chargers, while Glen Eira/Old McKinnon continued their resurgence with another big win. Williamstown CYMS produced their most dominant performance since entering the division, dismantling Old Xaverians by 39 points, and Old Melburnians consolidated second spot with a clinical victory over Parkside.

Bright and early at Fearon Reserve, Williamstown CYMS produced a devastating performance to overpower Old Xaverians by 39 points, 8.8 (54) to 2.3 (15).

The CYs set the tone from the opening bounce, kicking three unanswered goals in the first quarter to take a 17-point lead. Old Xaverians could not find a way through Williamstown’s suffocating defensive pressure, managing just one behind for the term.

Williamstown extended their advantage in the second and third quarters, before piling on two more in the final term to complete a comprehensive victory.

Old Xaverians coach Doug Greenough was honest in his assessment.

“Williamstown shut us down in the middle from the start and were more physical around the ground,” Greenough said. “They have a great ability to move the ball fast.”

Greenough acknowledged his side had moments but not enough of them, praising Lia Siniakov and Annabelle Gangi who kicked a goal each, while Maddy Stewart was again solid in defence.

For Williamstown, Sharnie Whiting and Sofi Georgas were outstanding in attack, finishing with three goals apiece.

Old Melburnians fashioned another polished performance to defeat Parkside by 27 points at Elsternwick Park, winning 5.16 (46) to 3.1 (19).

The Omlettes set the tone early, kicking the first two goals of the match through Harriet Kogler and Sophie Fraser to lead by 14 points at quarter time. Two more goals to Steph Barnett in the second term extended the advantage to 24 points at half-time, with Parkside managing just a single goal in response through Madison Katerelos.

Despite dominating territory for much of the afternoon, Old Melburnians’ inaccuracy – 16 behinds for the match – kept Parkside within touching distance. The home side managed just one goal in the second half, but their consistent pressure ensured the result was never seriously in doubt.

Old Melburnians assistant coach Nic Stephens said his side’s early composure was pivotal.

“We’ve worked really hard this year on making sure we come out of the gates firing and it came together well this week and put us in a good position to hold off Parkside’s strong second half,” Stephens said.

Stephens was particularly pleased with the development of the group’s younger players, whose hard work is beginning to materialise on game day.

“So many of the girls recently have been putting in extra work before and after training to try and improve their skills, and every one of them that does the extras had outstanding games.”

Sally Peers continued to make an impact, splitting her time between half-back and the midfield, while Harriet Kogler adapted well to increased midfield minutes. Clare Fraser once again showed her versatility by slotting in at centre half-back, and Steph Barnett proved her value as a swingwoman once more, finishing with two goals.

Parkside coach Anthony Romano acknowledged Old Melburnians’ aerial dominance but was pleased with his side’s tackle pressure. Madison Katerelos was the standout for Parkside, kicking two goals, while Annabelle Crisp and Martina Zeevaarder were solid contributors throughout.

At Packer Park, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon continued their impressive recent form with a dominant 70-point victory over Old Yarra Cobras, 13.11 (89) to 3.1 (19).

The Gryphons were in control from the outset and never looked troubled, with their ball use and efficiency inside forward 50 proving the difference once again.

Aleesha Whittle was the star up forward, kicking four goals to take her tally to seven from just three games since returning to the side. Gemma Strangio continued her remarkable season, picking up her ninth consecutive best player nomination – a truly extraordinary achievement. The Fitzpatrick duo, Lily and Sarah, were also among the best.

For Old Yarra, Emma Elliott, Alannah Murray (two goals) and Belinda Wriedt competed hard.

At William St Reserve, Beaumaris extended their unbeaten streak to nine games with a comprehensive 37-point victory over Port Melbourne Chargers, winning 10.7 (67) to 4.6 (30).

The first half was a genuine contest, with Port Melbourne matching the Sharks’ intensity early. The Chargers struck first with an early goal, before Beaumaris responded to lead by eight points at quarter time. Port Melbourne refused to go away in the second term, kicking two goals to trim the margin back to just three points at the main break.

From there, Beaumaris’ class shone through. Three unanswered third-quarter goals blew the game open, before the Sharks piled on another three in the final term to run out comfortable winners.

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow pointed to his side’s second-half lift as the difference.

“After a really hard-fought, even first half, we were able to lift our intensity and get some good forward-half pressure and conversion,” Farrow said.

Sienna Tedde played an excellent game up forward, providing a key marking target and finishing with two goals. Mia Ursprung had what Farrow described as “a breakout game we knew she was capable of,” while Olivia Smith continued her outstanding form with two more majors, taking her season total to 14.

Port Melbourne coach Harriet Cooper acknowledged the shift between halves proved the difference.

“We matched their intensity early on, but in the second half, we became far too reactive to Beaumaris’ fast use of the ball,” Cooper said. “They were outstanding and showed us why they are serious finals contenders.”

Despite the end result, Cooper was encouraged by what she saw from her side in the first half.

“Taking the fight to a top-tier team like Beaumaris in the first half shows what we are capable of,” she said. “It’s a great benchmark for us to work toward sustaining for a full four quarters.”

Cooper highlighted Tanisha Clark, who “was ferocious all game and set a great physical standard,” while Under-18s player Demi Turnbull impressed in her senior debut with two goals.

Next round, Williamstown CYMS and Old Melburnians will meet in what could be a finals preview, while in-form Glen Eira/Old McKinnon face a stern test against the undefeated Beaumaris Sharks. Meanwhile, Port Melbourne Chargers will look to snap their four-game losing streak when they travel to Doncaster Reserve to take on Old Yarra Cobras, and Old Xaverians will seek revenge against Parkside, who beat them by just two points back in Round 1.