LAKERS TAKE DIRECT PASSAGE TO SENIOR WOMEN’S DECIDER
By Kel Rowe |
Week one of the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee Senior Women’s finals saw two energetic footy games play out, with Caroline Springs earning direct passage through to the Grand Final, and the Suns’ season coming to an end after a great first year in the competition.
In the first match of the day, Suns and the Parkside Spurs went head-to-head in a do-or-die elimination final. Inconsistent rain made for greasy surface conditions at Skinner Reserve, forcing both sides to work hard to maintain ascendancy during the game.
The Suns goaled early, but it was the Spurs that led at every change, holding off a late fourth-quarter charge from their higher ranked opponents to claim a 9.6 (60) to 4.5 (29) victory.
Akima Manoah starred in the ruck for the Suns, but it was the explosive speed of the Spurs’ midfield led by Rita Ceravolo and Taquila Angel, that saw much of the possession in favour of Parkside.
Spurs’ Captain Aleisha Casley was damaging in front of goals kicking four majors, whilst teammate Tara Morgan nabbed a double.
Sharni Currie hit the scoreboard twice for the Suns and was well supported by the work of midfielder Emily Evans, who clocked up the kilometres with her tireless two-way running and defensive efforts.
At the final siren, the Spurs celebrated their pathway into the following Saturday’s Preliminary Final, whilst the Suns were left to reflect on what was a consistent and strong debut season.
The second final of the day saw the wet weather clear and the minor premiers Werribee Centrals take on Caroline Springs — a spot in the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee Senior Women’s Grand Final game up for grabs.
The game was a battle from the opening siren, however Lakers’ ruck Jordin Williamson influenced the clearances early with her teammates making the most of opportunities inside 50.
After a quiet first quarter, the Centurions closed the gap, but Caroline Springs stretched their lead back out in the third term and in the end the Centurions simply left their run a little too late, the Lakers winning 8.6 (54) to 5.9 (39).
Alana Ellis impressed with her performance for the Lakers, as did Brooke Rose for the Centurions, with both players earning best on ground recognition for their respective teams.
Despite some good defensive work from Centurion Georgia Paul, Jacinta Kondis took the lion’s share of the scoreboard for Caroline Springs bagging five goals, while Paige Cook kicked two for her side.
Caroline Springs earn a week’s rest ahead of the Grand Final, while Werribee Centrals must take the long route via Parkside Spurs, should they wish to compete for redemption on the final day of the season.