A severe bout of inaccuracy has failed to stall a mid-season resurgence from the Pakenham women’s team after the Lions defeated bottom-placed Woori Yallock by 43 points in Outer East Division 1 at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday.
The fifth-placed Lions are taking full advantage of a favourable draw from rounds 10 to 13, where they play sixth and seventh-placed Belgrave and Woori Yallock in four consecutive matches.
The Lions have now won both against Woori Yallock and will chase their fourth win in a row against Belgrave this week after a 5.13(43) to 0.0(0) win against the Tigers.
Pakenham is still unlikely to play finals and defend its 2024 crown, but has shown steady improvement since the beginning of the season.
Kasey Exposito and Courtney Stephens continued their strong goalkicking form of late, kicking two each for the Lions, while talented youngster Rielle Menere chimed in with the other.
Tianah Vandesteeg, Bianca Moody and 50-gamer Sarah ‘Sez’ Connelly were valuable contributors on the day.
Anelise McCracken, Piper Crymble and Frankie-Ella Taylor were best for Woori.
Mt Evelyn has once again shown its class in a 9.15(69) to 0.1(1) victory over fourth-placed Healesville.
The Bloods kept things tight for three quarters, but a 4.6 to 0.0 third quarter showed the Rovers have gears to work through.
Mt Evelyn Goals: Bridie Burton kicked three goals for the premiership favourites, while Abbey Rabot, Jessica Hoskin, Isabella Rennick and Hayley Watkins were in terrific touch around the ground.
Familiar names Alex Bryan, Ishka-Belle Stock and Amy Frazzetto were best for Healesville.
And third-placed Upwey-Tecoma has surprised many with a 9.11(65) to 2.0(12) victory over second-placed Olinda Ferny Creek.
The Tigers were up and about from the outset, kicking 3.3 to 0.0 in the first quarter to take control of the contest.
Ash O’Halloran and Jessica Occhipinti kicked two each for the Tigers while Madi Walsh, Tahlia Sheehan and Ari Dousset were among their better players.
Vanessa Bateman and Maeve Higgins kicked a snag each for Olinda.
In Division 2, third-placed Emerald has held off a strong challenge from fourth-placed Thornton-Eildon to score a 5.7(37) to 3.6(24) victory at Gembrook.
The Bombers grew their lead until half time, but the visitors fought back to make it just seven points the difference at the final change.
But the Bombers had the answers, particularly through Molly Webb who ended the game with four of her team’s five goals.
Alana Whiting kicked the other for Emerald while Amber Brierley joined Webb on the Bombers’ best players’ list.
Officer almost made it two wins, and back-to-back victories, but fell short by 11 points against an inaccurate Yea.
In a weird old game of footy, all six goals for the match were scored in the opening half as the Tigers ground their way to a 3.12(30) to 3.1(19) success.
The Tigers were the better team all day, but two goals to Chelsea Barkwith and another to Lauren Mercovich in the second term gave the Kangaroos a fighting chance.
The Tigers kicked 0.8 to 0.1 after half time to keep the Kangas at bay.
And second-placed Wandin has made a statement with a high-scoring 17.19(121) to 0.0(0) win over Seville.
The Bulldogs had many multiple goal-scorers with Danielle Wearne kicking four, Lauren Sullivan three, while Stacey Mercuri and Kiara-Shae Ryan-Bader chimed in with a couple each.
Emer Murray and Emily Oliver fought the game out for Seville.
Undefeated Warburton-Wesburn had the bye.
OUTER EAST WOMENS R13
DIVISION 1
RESULTS: Pakenham 5.13(43) def Woori Yallock 0.0(0), Healesville 0.1(1) def by Mt Evelyn 9.15(69), Upwey-Tecoma 9.11(65) def Olinda Ferny Creek 2.0(12). Bye: Belgrave.
LADDER: Mt Evelyn 40, Olinda Ferny Creek 28, Upwey Tecoma 28, Healesville 20/Pakenham 16, Belgrave 12, Woori Yallock 0.
FIXTURE R14: Woori Yallock v Healesville, Belgrave v Pakenham, Olinda Ferny Creek v Mt Evelyn. Bye: Upwey Tecoma.
DIVISION 2
RESULTS: Seville 0.0(0) def by Wandin 17.19(121), Officer 3.1(19) def by Yea 3.12(30), Emerald 5.7(37) def Thornton-Eildon 3.6(24). Bye: Warburton-Wesburn.
LADDER: Warburton-Wesburn 40, Wandin 32, Emerald 28, Thornton-Eildon 16/Yea 16, Seville 4, Officer 4.
FIXTURE R14: Seville v Wandin, Officer v Yea, Emerald v Thornton Eildon. Bye: Warburton Millgrove.
