Chargers become contenders as CYs lock in finals – Premier B Women’s Round 16 Review

The final round of the home-and-away season delivered plenty of drama, with Port Melbourne Chargers backing up last week’s stunning upset of Beaumaris to knock off Old Melburnians and stamp themselves as serious finals contenders.

Beaumaris returned to the winners’ list after their first loss of the year, Williamstown CYMS booked their finals spot with a monstrous victory, and Old Xaverians won a one-point thriller but fell agonisingly short of the top four.

Old Melburnians 2.1 (13) def by Port Melbourne Chargers 3.8 (26)

At Revo Fitness Park, Port Melbourne Chargerscontinued their red-hot run of form, defeating Old Melburnians by 13 points to secure a top three finish heading into finals.

Coming off their upset of ladder-leaders Beaumaris the previous week, the Chargers again proved their credentials against the second-placed Omlettes.

The two sides were locked together at 13 points apiece deep into the contest before Port Melbourne’s ability to win the contested ball late saw them break away with two final-quarter goals to seal the result.

Chargers coach Harriet Cooper said the game was won in the contest.

“The match came down to winning the contested ball and denying Old Melburnians uncontested possession,” Cooper said. “We managed to force stoppages right when we needed to, which successfully neutralised their transition play.”

Cooper was thrilled with her side’s composure across four quarters.

“Even when OMs challenged us and pushed hard, the group stayed cool, stuck to the game plan and didn’t let up.”

Olivia Box, Tanisha Clark, Georgia Smith and Maegan Harrison were all pivotal in the win.

Old Melburnians assistant coach Nic Stephens was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the Chargers’ outstanding form.

“Full credit has to go to Port for this one. They’ve obviously been playing with some incredible form recently,” Stephens said.

“They played with a real intensity that made our girls feel like we needed to push into the contest to try and even it out, but that led to our structure being compromised.”

Despite the loss, Stephens was full of praise for his backline, which held firm despite the second half being played almost exclusively in the Omlettes’ defensive half.

Georgia Dunlop and Zari Mildenhall stood out through the midfield, showcasing their work rate and composure, while Steph Barnett, playing her 50th game, and Sally Peers stood tall in defence, repelling Port’s attack all day.

Old Xaverians 3.12 (30) def Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 4.5 (29)

Old Xaverians produced a gutsy one-point win over Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, but it wasn’t enough to sneak into finals.

The Xavs burst out of the blocks, kicking two early goals to lead by 14 at quarter time. But Glen Eira refused to go away, chipping away throughout the middle of the game to bring the margin back to a single point heading into the final term. 

The Gryphons took the lead with a goal to Cecilia McIntosh, only for the Xavs to snap two crucial goals in quick succession to edge back in front.

A nervous finish followed, with Eliza Morrison goaling for Glen Eira in the dying moments to bring the margin back to just one.

Ruby Anderson, Madeleine Stewart and Hannah Deane were among the Xavs’ best, while for Glen Eira, Eliza Morrison and Cecilia McIntosh finished their strong seasons with another feature in the best players.

While the victory capped a spirited 2026 campaign, Old Xaverians ultimately finished fifth, unable to catch Williamstown CYMS on percentage, making it a bittersweet end to the season for a side that pushed the top teams all year.

Beaumaris 9.12 (66) def Parkside 6.4 (40)

Beaumaris returned to their best after their first defeat of the season last round, accounting for Parkside by 26 points at William St Reserve.

The Devils made the ladder-leaders work early, kicking four first-quarter goals to lead by 12 points at the first change in a spirited start.

However, the Sharks steadied, wrestling back the lead by half-time and gradually pulling away as their pressure and conversion took over in the second half.

Beaumaris coach Damian Farrow was pleased with how his side responded.

“Both teams played with strong pressure around the ball but eventually we got on top and were able to convert more of our opportunities,” Farrow said.

Skye Shipton and Sophie Crofts were among the Sharks’ best, while Rosie Byrne and Claire Weiss with two goals each led the way in attack.

Parkside coach Anthony Romano was proud of his side’s effort in their final game of the season.

“It was a highly skilled game. We were able to apply a lot of pressure and get our running game going,” Romano said. He also highlighted Martina Zeevaarder, Caitlin Robley, Emily Rayment and Mia Ison as key contributors.

Williamstown CYMS 18.9 (117) def Old Yarra Cobras 1.1 (7)

Meanwhile, Williamstown CYMS secured a finals berth with a devastating display against Old Yarra, demolishing the Cobras by 110 points.

The CYs were ruthless from the outset, kicking six unanswered goals in the opening term and never looking back.

Sharnie Whiting was unstoppable, booting a staggering eight goals, while Molly Francis added two in a complete team performance.

The result – combined with Old Xaverians’ narrow win – saw Williamstown stamp their spot in the top four on the strength of their percentage, a remarkable achievement from a side that started their season in the top division with four losses by an average of 68 points. 

For Old Yarra, Alannah Murray was again their best, kicking their lone goal and continuing her strong individual campaign, while Jayla Thorne, Shayla Cleverly and Belinda Wriedt battled hard.

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That brings the end to an exhilarating home-and-away season.

Beaumaris finish on top as minor premiers with a 15-1 record, having lost just once all year. Old Melburnians secured second, while Port Melbourne Chargers’ late-season surge carried them to third. Williamstown CYMS claimed the final finals spot in fourth, edging out Old Xaverians in cruel fashion.

Next week, Beaumaris will face Old Melburnians in the Qualifying Final, with the winner earning a week’s rest and a direct path to the Grand Final. Meanwhile, Port Melbourne Chargers and Williamstown CYMS square off in a mouth-watering Elimination Semi Final – a clash between two of the form sides of the competition, where the loser’s season will come to an end.