By JARROD POTTER
VFL WOMEN’S – ROUND 5
SINGING the song for the first time on home soil, Cranbourne had no troubles shaking off Knox and the turbulent conditions to run out 13.12 (90) to 2.2 (14) victors.
The VWFL Division 1 grand final rematch lived up to its pre-match billing early on Sunday, as the first term showed glimpses of a decent contest.
The Falcons booted two goals to stick with the harder, stronger Eagles and generally dove on the loose footy and fought to stay in the match.
Cranbourne’s five-first term majors would’ve been enough to take the points there and then though as Knox’s forward initiatives fell apart after quarter time.
The fleet-footed hosts surged across the tundra – making sure there would be something to celebrate at the end of the bleak afternoon.
While Ash Fennell (work) and Danielle Hardiman (soreness) were out of action, there were plenty of others willing to do the hard yards.
The Eagles kicked away gradually, as the rain fell heavier at Casey Fields to turn the ground into an homage to the slip-and-slide, and ensured there would be no further fightback from the visitors.
Ruck Cara Moody continued her stellar start to 2016, monstering the hit-outs while also staying in the contest at ground level – giving the Eagles an effective fourth rover at the coalface.
Her sister Breann Moody was just as impressive – learning the ruck trade while heading up forward to generate more headaches for the opposition – while Tess McEvoy, Alicia Johnson, Kirsten Mcleod and Corrine Cullis also impressed.
Cranbourne’s goal-kicking was the only downside of the victory – just missing out on the 100-point mark on account of 12 sprayed behinds, but nonetheless, Eagles coach Kris Smith remained impressed with the triumph.
“Do we have to talk about the goal-kicking?” Smith said.
“If we nailed those goals – wet weather footy, you have to allow for it a bit – but we really could’ve done a number on them.
“That’s a game we should win and we did so that’s what I’m happy with – the first home win (in the VFL) and I’ll enjoy this one.”
Cranbourne will host sixth placed VU Western Spurs (formerly St Albans) on Sunday at Casey Fields.
The seventh-placed Eagles – the best ranked of the four promoted Division 1 teams – will be out to become the first promoted team to defeat a former Premier Division side in the new VFL Women’s competition.
In VWFL results, Beaconsfield defeated Seaford 6.11 (47) to 2.0 (12), on the back of the amazing work of Katie Angelis (four goals) – who clearly has an eye on the league goal kicking medal after jagging another bag. Jade Hough, Aliesha Hamilton, Millie Shone and Georgia Anderson impressed across the field as Beaconsfield claimed its third win of the maiden season.
Hallam was knocked over by Mornington 4.8 (32) to 5.11 (41), with Tamisha Gerbeck, Megan Connell and Katie Cornish the best of the Hawks’ brigade.
Endeavour Hills’ opened its Division 1 season with a hard-fought 4.7 (31) to 1.8 (14) triumph over Darebin, on the back of the elite work from the Wallaces – Sarah (two goals) and Jess – as well as Ash Ladson, Amanda Hancock and Bec Sadler. Endeavour Hills’ second side was thumped 4.5 (29) to Mount Eliza’s 21.19 (145).
VFL WOMEN’S SCOREBOARD
CRANBOURNE 5.3 8.5 10.9 13.12 (90)
KNOX 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.2 (14)
CRANBOURNE Goals: K. McLeod 4, B. Jakobsson 3, H. Wildes 2, C. Clarkson 2, M. Manning 2. Best: T. Thomas, C. Moody, B. Moody, A. Johnson, K. McLeod, C. Cullis. KNOX Goals: C. Slater, J. Harrison. Best: J. Baker, C. Slater, M. Kuys, J. Head, D. Appleby.
