Williamstown wins thriller as Old Yarra causes upset – Premier B Women’s Round 14 Review

Round 14 of Premier B Women’s highlighted the impact of availability as the finals race enters its critical stage, with several sides significantly undermanned heading into the business end of the season.

Old Yarra Cobras took full advantage of a depleted Old Melburnians outfit to record a shock 18-point upset, Williamstown CYMS edged Port Melbourne Chargers by a solitary point in a dramatic finish, Beaumaris continued their flawless campaign against Old Xaverians, and Parkside kept their slim finals hopes alive with a win over Glen Eira/Old McKinnon.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 2.8 (20) def by Parkside 5.3 (33)

To open the round, Parkside secured a vital 13-point victory over Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, effectively ending the Gryphons’ finals hopes in the process.

The Gryphons had their chances but couldn’t convert – eight behinds telling the story of a side that dominated patches of the contest but lacked the finishing touch required. Parkside were more efficient when it mattered, with five different players hitting the scoreboard.

Parkside coach Anthony Romano was pleased with his side’s work rate.

“We played hard football, used space and ran well,” Romano said. “The girls worked hard with limited rotations.”

Miranda Cooney Hunt, Annabelle Crisp and Hannah Baird were among Parkside’s best.

While the victory keeps Parkside mathematically in the finals conversation – sitting just four points outside the top four, their percentage of 70.33 makes a finals berth highly unlikely.

Beaumaris 9.15 (69) def Old Xaverians 3.0 (18)

Beaumaris extended their perfect season to 14 wins with a commanding 51-point victory over Old Xaverians at William St Reserve.

The Sharks were clinical from the outset, kicking three first-quarter goals to race to a 21-6 lead. Two more goals in the second term extended the buffer to 31 points at half-time, before a four-goal final quarter put the result well beyond doubt.

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow praised his side’s even performance.

“We were able to transition the ball well from contest to forward 50 in a four-quarter performance,” Farrow said. “Amy Pearce and Ruby Raymond were excellent, but it was a whole team effort with a limited bench.”

Piper Phelan was a force up forward, finishing with three goals, while Lily Parsons also kicked two.

Old Xaverians coach Doug Greenough acknowledged his side’s inability to convert as a key factor.

“We were not efficient enough when inside forward 50. Our connection and ability to find each other was off,” Greenough said.

However, he was pleased with the positive spirit his group maintained throughout, highlighting Hannah Deane’s two goals, as well as captain Mel Clarke and Ruby Anderson as standouts.

Old Yarra Cobras 5.2 (32) def Old Melburnians 2.2 (14)

The upset of the round came at Doncaster Reserve, where Old Yarra produced a superb second-half performance to defeat Old Melburnians by 18 points.

The Cobras struck first through Bree-Anna Kavanagh inside the opening minute, but the Omlettes steadied and managed to hold a one-point lead heading into the third quarter. It remained a tight tussle in the third, with Old Yarra able to wrestle back a five-point lead by the final change.

From there, the undermanned Old Melburnians appeared to run out of steam – goals to Alannah Murray and Ashleigh Toscano sealed a third win for the Cobras.

Old Melburnians assistant coach Nic Stephens was gracious in defeat.

“Full credit has to go to Old Yarra for their attack on the footy all game. They played a really physical but fair game all day and unfortunately we just couldn’t keep up with it,” Stephens said.

Stephens acknowledged the personnel challenges his side faced.

“It’s never going to be an easy game after losing five girls from a side that was already struggling with numbers, but the girls that were able to get on the field gave it their all.”

He praised Clare Fraser, who again showed her versatility across multiple positions, and Zari Mildenhall, who drove the Omlettes’ midfield with her skills and leadership.

For the Cobras, Carly Jevric, Aoife Nic a Bhaird and Shayla Cleverly all starred in a performance that demonstrated the growth of this young side across the season.

Williamstown CYMS 5.6 (36) def Port Melbourne Chargers 5.5 (35)

The final match of the round was a thriller, as Williamstown CYMS produced a dramatic final-quarter comeback under lights to edge Port Melbourne Chargers by a single point, in a result that carries enormous finals implications.

Port Melbourne controlled the first half, establishing an early buffer that they extended to a 10-point lead by the main break. Williamstown tightened the screws in the third quarter, keeping the Chargers scoreless, before Loren Mills’ goal right on three-quarter time closed the gap to a single kick.

Williamstown’s perseverance paid off early in the final term when they struck the front for the first time, before Port Melbourne fought back to level the scores.

A Jess Court goal midway through the last gave the CYs a seven-point lead, but a late Chargers goal brought them within a point – only for time to run out.

Port Melbourne coach Harriet Cooper was heartbroken by the result but proud of her group.

“The grit, resilience and effort across all four quarters were outstanding,” Cooper said. “Our team was completely inspired and motivated right from the first bounce. Even when we faced adversity with in-game injuries and bench shortages, the work rate and fight never dropped.”

Cooper highlighted year-12 student Jemima Ross, who “was an absolute rock and key pillar in our backline all day.”

For Williamstown, Sharnie Whiting with two goals, Loren Mills and Jess Court were among the best in a gutsy victory that keeps their season alive.

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Next round, the top-four race reaches boiling point with three matches carrying significant finals implications.

Port Melbourne Chargers travel to Beaumaris looking to test themselves against the competition’s benchmark side in what could be the perfect finals tune-up, while Old Xaverians welcome Williamstown CYMS in what shapes as a virtual elimination final.

Parkside host Old Melburnians needing a win to keep their faint hopes alive, while Old Melburnians will be desperate to bounce back after last week’s upset loss.

Rounding out the weekend, Old Yarra Cobras host Glen Eira/Old McKinnon – with the Cobras riding a wave of confidence after their upset victory over Old Melburnians, the Gryphons will need to be at their best to avoid a similar fate.