Accurate Old Haileybury & Caulfield Win Thriller

Hearts record a commanding victory as Grammarians win a nail-biter against Collegians in Round 11 of Division 3 Women’s.

Old Yarra 3.2 (20) def by Old Haileybury 13.2 (80)

Old Haileybury have returned to their winning ways joining Parkdale and Hawthorn on 36 points.

A fast start by Hearts set the game up, kicking five goals to none in the first. Both Reanna Barbakas and Shalyn Phillips kicked three goals really set up the victory. While April Jones kicked two of her team’s three goals for the Cobras.

Old Haileybury coach David Lappage was pleased with his team’s performance.

“The Cobras were better than the scoreboard suggested. We just kicked accurately which got us the jump on them. Our youth and speed were too good for their age, experience and skill.”

He also mentioned some individual performances he was impressed with.

“Our captain, little Jas Bettess led the way from the first bounce laying countless tackles and the backs led by Lexie Connell, Meg Cooper, Ivy Compton and Ruby Hartney were solid allowing Tess Baxter, Reanna Barbakas and Gypsy Folwell to go to work kicking goals up forward. Their accurate kicking made a huge difference.”

Old Yarra coach Bree Pascoe looked at her team’s effort constructively.

“Another improved performance across the whole team saw us take plenty of positives out of the game. The opposition’s speed on the outside hurt us at times, but the growth from our last meeting was clear to see. The previous time we played them we were unable to kick a goal, so to finish with three majors this time around was a huge confidence boost and reward for effort.”

“We were able to own territory for much more of the game compared to our last encounter and were rewarded on the scoreboard for our hard work and pressure. There’s plenty to build on as we now get the chance to freshen up with the bye before tackling the final part of the season.”

Prahran/Collegians 2.3 (15) def by Caulfield 3.4 (22)

The clash of fourth against fifth saw a tight contest, as both teams ground away defensively to produce a low scoring affair.

With a 3-point difference at half-time, it was the third quarter that gave Caulfield the lead kicking two goals to none.

Prahran were unable to capitalise on their chances in the last, kicking a goal and two behinds with the Grammarians scraping over the line by seven points.

Caulfield coach Lachy Worthy reflected on the result constructively. “This week it was two very evenly matched teams with Prahran Collegians coming out strong and getting us on the back foot early.”

“We managed to close the gap by half-time and another goal in the third gave us a slender lead. A Bridget Savic goal early in the last opened the lead up, but Prahran Collegians kept attacking right up to the last minute as we struggled to control the ball.”

“Lilly Ellis provided plenty of drive in the midfield and Alyssa Bernardo patrolled across the half back line to repel plenty of attacks. While it was great to take home the four points, there is still plenty of lessons to learn from the game and look forward to getting back out there after the bye.”

In the other game Parkdale forfeited, with Hawthorn taking the four points.

This week sees a well-deserved bye before the teams return for Round 12 on the 18^th of July.