MANOR LAKES CONTINUE TO BUILD
By KEL ROWE
This weekend brought with it the best weather of the footy season so far, more big wins and some cracking matchups. The Victoria University Polytechnic Senior Women’s Round 6 encounter between contenders Manor Lakes and Caroline Springs delivered four quarters of furious pressure-fueled play, with each side determined to outwork the other.
After last week’s loss to Spotswood, the Lakers were keen to bounce back, taking control of the game from the opening siren. Immediately locking into their scoring half, the Caroline Springs forward line peppered the goals with scoring shots, forcing Manor Lakes to scramble in defence.
The Lakers had to settle for just 3 behinds, until Alex O’Shea snapped the ball out of congestion, putting her side out to a clear lead against the scoreless Storm at the quarter time break.
Undeterred by the strong first-term offensive mounted by their hosts, Manor Lakes returned fire at the opening of the second quarter. After some strong contested play in their forward line, Alysha Bettels opened the Storm’s scoring account with a tidy round-the-body snap from the pocket. At half-time, just one-point separated the teams.
Both sides came out firing after the break. Some furious pressure saw the Lakers surge into their scoring half, but the opportunity was foiled by the valiant defensive efforts of Lindsay Newton, saving a sure runaway goal.
A free kick paid to Alana Ellis in the goal square, and a brilliant read of play by Kelsey Hildred saw back-to-back goals added to Caroline Springs’ tally. Not to be outdone, Manor Lakes immediately responded, courtesy of Yana Frontczak and Paras Mackenzie. At the final break, after an electrifying third quarter, the scores were locked at 4.4. (28) a piece.
Returning to the field for the final quarter, a fierce tit-for-tat unfolded with each side out to snag the win. Lauren Clymo finally broke through into open space, the tall sending a huge kick through the big sticks — ultimately locking Manor Lakes in for a nail-biting nine-point win over Caroline Springs.
In other Round 6 results, Yarraville Seddon hosted neighbours Spotswood, keen to upset their competition’s unbeaten run. At half-time, the Eagles looked to do just that, before Spotswood fired up for a big third quarter. Kerrie Clarke helped the Wolves to a 25-point win, kicking three goals for her side.
Laverton suffered a brutal 128-point loss to premiership contender Hopper’s Crossing. Kayla Koropeckyj was dominant for the Warriors, kicking six-goals and was named among her side’s best.
In this week’s battle of the birds, West Footscray bounced back from their loss in Round 5 to claim a huge 100-point win over visitors North Sunshine. Brittany Gray was instrumental in the Rooster’s victory, repeatedly serving the ball up to the dominant West’s forward line.
Featherbrook Reserve played stage to the much-anticipated derby between Point Cook Centrals and Point Cook. The Shark’s spirit was electric as they snatched the suburban bragging rights kicking seven goals to none, with footy debutant Jodie-Lee Hoe bagging a goal in her first outing for the side.
To round out the weekend, Wyndhamvale hosted Braybrook/Albanvale, with the visitors claiming the victory over the Falcons, 1.3. (9) to 5.8. (38).