MONASH UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP ROUND 1 – MATCH OF THE ROUND
MONASH UNIVERSITY UNDER 18’S GIRLS DIVISION 2
PORT MELBOURNE/SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS v ST. KILDA CITY
SUNDAY APRIL 10 – 5PM – MOORLEIGH RESERVE
Port Melbourne/South Melbourne Districts has started its 2022 season with a nail-biting win over St. Kilda City under lights at Moorleigh Reserve.
The Bolts where able to stave off the Saints repeat forward 50 entries in the final minutes of the game, holding on to claim victory by five points.
With the lights in full effect for the second half, the ball movement opened up from the first half with some exciting passages of play from end to end, as the lead exchanged hands a number of times in the second half.
“It was very tight game; we knew coming in St. Kilda City are a good team with plenty of depth” Kuys continued.
“It was a challenge, but our girls played really well and were able to nullify some of their more experienced players.”
As to be expected after such a long lay off between games, the pressure within the contest was high as both teams looked to get off to a great start and whomever gained clean possession from stoppage dominated the territory battle.
“It’s a long time to not be playing footy for, so we were a bit rusty earlier on” said Port Melbourne/South Melbourne coach Melissa Kuys.
“But they really worked hard and improved throughout the game.”
With a strong alliance between both clubs historically, this was the first time a combined Under 18’s Girls Port Melbourne/South Melbourne ‘Bolts’ team took the field to represent both clubs.
“It’s very fresh, but super exciting,” noted Kuys.
“It was a great result first up.”
U18 Division 1 Girls
Beaumaris 4.4.28 defeated by Mordialloc – Braeside 11.11.77
Mordialloc-Braeside were too strong for Beaumaris, storming home with a huge final quarter to win by 49-points at Jack Barker Oval. The first three quarters of play saw both teams’ neck and neck, with neither team trailing by more than a goal at each break. Coming out of the main break with a two-point lead, the Mustangs were able to pull away, kicking seven goals in the second half to ensure the win. Mia Sullivan was judged best on ground, kicking five goals for the Mustangs, with Eve Libbis-Terrell and Meg Webster both kicking two majors. Ashley Van Rooyen booted two goals for the Sharks.
U18 Division 1 Girls
East Malvern Knights 14.16.100 defeat Prahran 0.4.4
East Malvern came out the gates strong, starting their 2022 season with a resounding win over Prahran at DW Lucas Oval. Taking control of the game early, the Knights staked their claim as the team to beat, keeping Prahran goalless whilst hitting the scoreboard with regularity, to run away with a 96-point margin. Mia Zielinski booted five goals for the Knights in what was a best on ground performance, with fellow Knights Rosie Finster and Tess Davey kicking two apiece. Prahran’s Camilla Coventry was named best afield for the Two-Blues.
U17.5 Division 1 Boys
Mordialloc – Braeside 3.6.24 defeated by Beaumaris 12.12.84
Beaumaris start their 2022 season off with a convincing win against Mordialloc Braeside at Walter Galt Reserve. Keeping the Mustangs scoreless for the first quarter, the Sharks led at every change, with a seven goal to two second half setting up the 60-point margin. Joshua Gould led the Sharks attack, with a game high of three goals, whilst Max Kambouris and Elliot Styles both chipped in with two goals each. Oliver Long-Remfry and Mitch Brennan were the standouts for Mordi-Brae.
U17.5 Division 1 Boys
St Peters Bulldogs 11.5.71 defeated St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 9.7.61
Despite being pushed late, St. Peters were able to fend off St Bedes/Mentone at Centenary Park to prevail with a ten-point victory. After a close first quarter, the Bulldogs extended their quarter time led to sixteen-points at the half. The Tigers chipped away at the deficit in the second half, however, it wasn’t to be as St. Peters kicked off 2022 with a win. Sam Cross and Ethan Macbeth were prolific in the win for St. Peters, with Aaron Taylor kicking four goals for the Bulldogs. Luke Dunn was judged best on ground for St. Bedes for his four-goals.
Written by Zac Jennings & Joel Micari
