ERWFL REVIEW

By Alyce Collett

The Eastern Region Women’s competition returned after the Queens Birthday weekend break, and after the past weekend it is officially halfway through the season and things are becoming clearer about where everything may finish come the pointy end of the season.

In Premier Division, Mt Evelyn had a convincing win over bottom placed Bayswater. Although the margin was only 14 points at quarter time, Mt Evelyn had restricted Bayswater to only one point, and that is where their score stayed up until half time. The third term were much more of an even contest, with each side only scoring one point for the term. In the final term, Bayswater finally managed a major, but Mt Evelyn scored three of their own to register a 50 point win.

Isobel Urquhart and Lily Kelly were once again top of the goal kicking tally for the Rovers, each kicking three. They, alongside Georgia Ploegsma, Isabella Rennick, Jessica Smith and Storm Jenkin were the best players for Mt Evelyn. The win cements Mt Evelyn in third position on the Premier Division ladder, a game clear of fourth placed Donvale and only percentage behind second placed Whitehorse.

In Division One, Upwey Tecoma took the chocolates against Norwood. It was a tight tussle early on, with two points separating the teams at quarter time. The Tigers were able to stretch the margin out to ten points at the main break after keeping Norwood scoreless. This was also the case in the final quarter, while Upwey Tecoma had no such scoring problems and ended up winning by 43 points.

Madison Walsh and Mallory Lesueur kicked two majors each, while Claire Weickhardt, Karly Cooper, Monica Vantilburg and Paris Tilley kicked one apiece. The win leaves them in third position with a game in hand over fourth placed East Ringwood. 

It was a much tougher day at the office for Upwey Tecoma in the Outer East division, losing to Monbulk by 105 points. Monbulk were dominant all day and Upwey Tecoma’s only score was a behind that came in the first quarter.

Kathryn Gow continues to be a dominant forward for the Hawks, this time kicking a season high of eight goals. Maddison Dodd also chipped in with three goals. Diyanah Mohamed, Bronwyn Dean and Taylah Buck were among the best players for the Tigers in what continues to be a tough year for them.

After winning the battle of the undefeated sides last weekend, Healesville continued their great season, thrashing bottom placed Thornton – Eildon. In what was Thornton – Eildon’s worst scoring performance to date this season, they were kept scoreless as Healesville ran away with a 97 point victory.

Healesville are continuing their dominant start to 2019. Photo – Kylie Rowe

Jaimee Petersen and Danielle Carrucan were once again on top of the Bloods’ goal kickers list, with four goals each to their name. Lisa Mathieson kicked two, while Dannielle Jones, Kelly Marie Laidlaw, Brooke Wandin and Halisa Muke each kicked singles.

In the closest match of the round, Yarra Junction had a tight eight point win over Belgrave. Things didn’t start well for Belgrave as they were kept scoreless for the opening term, and only scored one goal up until the half. The margin was 14 points at half time, and Belgrave’s one goal in the third term was the only score in the entire second half.

At the halfway point of the season, Healesville are at the top of the ladder, a game and quite a large percentage clear of second place Monbulk. Yarra Junction are safely in third place, while Belgrave are in fourth. Bringing up the rear of the table is Upwey Tecoma and Thornton – Eildon, with only one win on the board each.