James Murphy
AS the 2023 Limestone Coast Women’s Football League competition enters its fourth round, the ladder has started to shape up.
North Gambier is one of the teams to beat and has posted three big wins, including over reigning premier Kybybolite last week.
The only other team with three wins is Casterton Sandford, with the Cats knocking off both 2022 grand finalists so far.
North faces Penola this Sunday at Mundulla, which should reward the Tigers with another victory.
The Eagles have had a win and a loss from their two games and while they will put up a fight, the in-form Tigers should be untroubled.
Their meeting will open proceedings at Mundulla, followed by a cat fight between Mundulla Tigers and Casterton Sandford.
The hosts have also not lost a game, but sit just outside the top two after a draw to Kyby in Round 2.
Erin Horsnell led her team to victory against Penola last round, while the likes of Casey McElroy and Kellsey Hinge also carry form into the clash.
For the Cats, Libby Altorfer was a force to be reckoned with against South on the weekend and complemented the forward efforts of Alena Tranter for a combined six goals.
The outcome of the match should decide second place on the ladder as the minor rounds enter their midpoint next week.
In Mount Gambier, there will be a double-header on Friday night, with games played at Blue Lake Sports Park under lights.
South Gambier will host Kongorong for the opening bout, which could be a good match-up.
The Hawks will be favoured for the win, but the Demons showed signs of promise against Casterton last round and will be hungry for their first win of the year.
Sophie Wight, Ella Guest and Jarrah Altschwager have been South’s players to watch and they will hope to lead by example once again.
The Hawks boasted a tough combination in front of goals last week and Tilah Buckingham, Marnee Formosa and Evie Sealey will be ones to watch out for.
Jasmin McKinnon was also solid in Kongorong’s drubbing of Kalangadoo and will be out to back up her performance.
The final fixture of the round will be a meeting between Kybybolite and Millicent.
The expected outcome would be a healthy win to Kyby, as the reigning premiers look to move their way back towards the pointy end of the leaderboard.
The Saints will be fresh off the bye, but their opening round clashes were both convincing losses to Kongorong and North.
A similar result could be on the cards, but they will take a sliver of confidence from Kyby’s loss to the Tigers last week.
ROUND 4 FIXTURE
Blue Lake Sports Park (Friday, February 10): South Gambier v Kongorong, 6.30pm; Kybybolite v Millicent, 8.05pm.
Mundulla Showgrounds (Sunday, February 12): Penola v North Gambier, 11am; Mundulla v Casterton Sandford, 12.35pm; Kalangadoo – Bye.
