ERWFL REVIEW

By Alyce Collett

Round 9 of the Eastern Region Women’s competition saw a number of surprises as things begin to tighten up in the race for finals.

In Division One, Upwey Tecoma returned to the winners list with a comfortable win over Heathmont. The Tigers maintained strong scoreboard pressure all afternoon, and kept Heathmont goalless for three terms. Jenna Bakes and Lana Kitteringham kicked two goals each for Upwey Tecoma, while Samantha Royce and Cale McNess kicked one apiece.

The win further cements the Tigers’ position in the top four, opening up a two game break between themselves and 5^th placed Knox. They are however still one game behind 3^rd placed East Ringwood.

Things didn’t go so well for Upwey Tecoma’s Outer East division side, who lost to Monbulk.

 They were leading at quarter time and were able to keep the Hawks scoreless in the opening term. Things turned in favour of the Hawks in the second quarter, who took a 17 point lead into the main break. Upwey were able to close the gap in the third term and once again keep Monbulk scoreless, but in the end Monbulk were too strong, winning by seven points. 

Siobhan Munday, Kathryn Gow, Maddison Dodd kicked one goal each for Monbulk, while Madison Walsh kicked both of Upwey Tecoma’s goals.

At times during Belgrave’s battle with Healesville, the end score line didn’t reflect the closeness of the match. The game was quite competitive, but Belgrave just struggled to score. In the end, it was a 38 point win to Healesville. 

Dannielle Jones was the top goalkicker for Healesville, kicking two, while Jaimee Petersen, Danielle Carrucan and Halisa Muke kicked one each. Meanwhile, Blaney Murphy was the sole goalkicker for Belgrave.

In the closest match of the weekend, Thornton – Eildon almost got their second win of the year, but they drew with Yarra Junction. Yarra Junction led at every change, but were kept scoreless in the final term while Thornton – Eildon were able to bridge the 3 point gap. Natasha Hay was Thornton – Eildon’s sole goalkicker, while Siobhan Zelno was Yarra Junction’s sole goalkicker.

That result sees Thornton – Eildon climb off the bottom of the table, and are now half a game behind 4^th placed Belgrave. The top 4 doesn’t change, but Belgrave need to keep winning in order to make sure their finals place is secured.