WOLVES WIN THRILLER
By KEL ROWE
Round 8 signalled the first games of winter, bringing with it chilly conditions and comprehensive wins. Caroline Springs continued its winning streak in Victoria University Polytechnic Senior Women’s Division 1, and the first ever Pride Game was played between West Footscray and North Sunshine under-lights.
The round began on Friday night, with Werribee Centrals hosting Spotswood in a tightly contested ball game. The two sides battled it out in wintery conditions, with the visiting side claiming victory by just four points. Khayle Forsyth and Larrissa Renaut hit the scoreboard for the Centurions, whilst Manaia Huta registered a major and time in best for the Wolves.
Werribee Centrals have now lost to Spotswood by a combined six points in their past two matches.
An early Saturday morning start at Yarraville Oval saw the Eagles take on Caroline Springs, with the top-of-ladder side continuing to exert their dominance over the Division 1 competition with a 26-point win.
Sierra Greives was exceptional for Yarraville Seddon, and CJ Pretty had a field day in front of goals for the Lakers, kicking 3.
Manor Lakes found success after a loss in the previous round, in their match against Hoppers Crossing, taking it to the home side in a 77-point hammering. Kelsey Fox and Yana Frontczak each bagged five majors for the Storm, despite the best efforts of an under-pressure Warrior’s backline.
In Division 2, Laverton registered its second win for the season, claiming a definitive 32-point win on home turf over Braybrook/Albanvale. The Magpies had six individual goal kickers, led by the on-target Mirae Holland, who claimed 3, whilst Sarah Jaimeson and Amanda Quirk hit the scoreboard for the visiting side.
West Footscray and North Sunshine came together on Saturday to play the first Pride Game, putting aside footy rivalries to share a group photo in special warm-up tops prior to the start of the game.
The inaugural Pride Cup was claimed by the home side, with the Roosters registering a 102-point victory, with Sophie Merryfull bagging a 6 goals for the Roosters. Despite being held scoreless the Roadrunners refused to give up, led by the efforts of Paulina Makowska, who battled defensively for four quarters.
To round out the weekend, the Caroline Springs side claimed an equaliser against opposition Point Cook, winning at home by 61-points.