It was a classic eight-point game at Olinda as the home team lined up against round 12 conquerors Berwick Springs, both teams looking to kick the other out of finals contention, while cementing a spot themselves.
Berwick Springs had overrun their opponents in round 12, kicking 7-0 in the last 21 minutes of the match to steal the win.
The Olinda girls were determined to atone for this disappointing loss but were understandably nervous.
It was clear in the first 31.9 seconds of the opening quarter that Olinda would not suffer from any such nerves. Besties (DJ) Ness Curnow (nee Bateman) and Ruby (Barb) Gilson , or Heckle & Jeckle as they’re affectionately known, swapped the positions they’d played for the majority of the season, Ness going to the forward flank and Ruby to full forward.
At the opening bounce, ruck supremo Chelsea (Big Kahuna) Wilson got the ball down to Captain Courageous Claire Hyett who was already running at pace. Claire sprinted clear to the edge of the square and launched a lace-out rocket right onto the chest of Olivia (The Weapon!) Edwards, just on the edge of her range. Liv went back and drove the ball goalward, the pill dropping just short of the line in the goal square. Luckily Heckle (Ruby) was there jostling with her opponent, and she was able to tap the ball sideways to the lurking Jeckle (Ness) who effortlessly slotted the goal. 31.9 seconds on the clock and Berwick Springs knew they would be in for a tough night. It was Olinda’s most impressive passage of play for the season, but it would only hold that title for another 8 minutes.
At the 3.30 minute mark The Big Kahuna laid a crunching tackle at half forward and received the free kick. Chelsea’s pin point pass to The Weapon in the forward pocket was superb, and Liv calmly went back and drilled the shot from the angle.
A great piece of play but better was about to come.
At the eight-minute mark a Berwick Springs player received a free kick at Olinda’s half forward on the Southern side of the ground. The ball was booted to Berwick’s half forward line where Kyah (The Missile) Barry swooped on the ball, burst clear and blasted a left foot pass across the ground to The Weapon, who fired a long pass onto the chest of a leading Tobi (Killer) Monkhorst. Tobes quickly went back and kicked a long ball across to the South-Eastern pocket or “Swamp Pocket” as it has recently become known. Adelaide Oval has the Eddie Betts pocket. The South Eastern pocket at Olinda will hereafter be called the “Ruby Gilson Pocket”. Rubes led four Berwick Springs players to the ball as it headed to the boundary, picked it up and cleverly handballed in front of herself as she brushed off the contact. She then scooped the ball up, skirted the boundary, sold the candy to a descending opponent before slipping past her and threading a beautiful drop punt goal from the most difficult of angles. Ruby turned 18 just a week ago, so a new car for “Goal Of The Year” will be timely!
At the 11th and a half minute of the quarter Captain Courageous Claire earned a free kick deep in the North Eastern Pocket on an angle, and her worm-burning shot for a goal over the outstretched hands of the defenders was a joy for all to watch.
A snap by Berwick Springs late in the quarter that may have been touched off the boot halted the momentum a little, but Olinda still went into quarter time 17 points in front.
The second quarter was a tight tussle with both sides only scoring a goal each. Olinda’s goal, a running snap from The Weapon on her left, was a massive highlight.
The third, and premiership quarter saw Olinda stamp their dominance on the contest, out-scoring Berwick Springs 20-1 for the term. (DJ) Ness’ second and third goals were highlights as was the classy mark and third goal to The Weapon.
A couple of goal stops to reigning Full Back of The Year Casey(The Vault) Seymour were equally telling, the best being a 30-metre run down of her opponent running alone towards goal, culminating in a devastating shirtfront.
Olinda went into the three quarter time huddle 35 points ahead, but previous experience had them knowing that Berwick Springs would be finishing hard. The coaches observed a rallying, passionate speech from Berwick Springs’ Coach, and the stage was set for a tense finish.
True to script, Berwick Springs exploded from the first bounce and had scored two goals within the first four minutes. Unlike the previous meeting though, Olinda refused to bow their heads, and fought desperately to protect their lead.
Kyah Barry battled ferociously all quarter in defence, her contested mark deep against much taller opponents a brilliant moment.
Amalija (Marsupial) Kostich Angerson plays her best at night, and her steadying goal midway through the quarter effectively ended the contest.
Olinda held Berwick Springs goalless for the rest of the quarter, finishing the game 28 points ahead.
Olivia (The Weapon) Edwards was a clear best on ground. Aside from her three goals, she had a hand in most of the others, and her work-rate, decision making and creativity is outstanding.
Olinda’s famed mosquito fleet Claire Hyett, Kyah Barry, Lily Carlin, and Lucy Hilton all finished amongst Olinda’s best, and were hugely influential in the win.
The Big Kahuna ( Chelsea Wilson ) did what she does best all night, winning most taps and balls in the air or on the ground.
Heckle & Jeckle (Ness Bateman and Ruby Gilson) shone in their new roles, hugely contributing to the victory.
Amalija (Mars) Kostich Angerson had another pleasing game at centre half forward, bringing every ball to ground and locking it into Olinda’s forward line.
Casey ( The Vault ) Seymour was back to her very best, letting nothing through her tight defence.
Cult hero Anja (Onions) Hulston continues to fly under the radar, completely blanketing Berwick Springs’ best player.
Special mention must go to The Florist (makes her own arrangements) Kaesha Christie, who has battled injury all season and was battered against Berwick Springs in round 12. Kaesha’s bravery in playing combined with her great game should be applauded.
The match was an excellent spectacle and both teams should be commended for playing an entertaining brand of football.
Olinda now sits in third place on the ladder but faces top placed and undefeated Healesville at Olinda next week.
