James Murphy
PENOLA 13.9 (87) d MILLICENT 0.0 (0)
A SIX-goal haul from power forward Angela Broad led the Penola Eagles to a comprehensive victory over Millicent in Round 6 of Limestone Coast women’s football.
The Eagles entered as hot favourites at Mundulla Oval and a 30-point first quarter set up the eventual 87-point triumph.
That margin grew to 59 by half time, while the Saints were left scoreless throughout the clash.
Lyndall Feast also had her share of action in front of the big sticks and she finished the day with four majors.
Despite the proficiency in front of goal, it was the efforts of youngster Heidi Berkin which impressed most.
She was named as best on ground for the match, while Ellise Berkin came in at second best.
The margin grew consistently across the last two quarters, with two Penola goals in each.
Captain Caroline McGrath rounded out the best players behind Broad and Feast.
For the Saints it was Kelsie Wilkinson who was rewarded as best on ground for her tireless efforts, while Lauren Potter, Megan Tilley and Lilly Hateley also featured highly.
SOUTH GAMBIER 8.10 (58) d KALANGADOO 0.0 (0)
South Gambier recorded its first win of the 2023 Limestone Coast women’s football season on Sunday.
It came at the expense of Kalangadoo, with the Magpies now the only team winless this campaign.
A steady opening quarter set up a three-goal lead for the Demons at the first change, before another goal in the second saw the margin out to 27 points.
Dakota Trotter was the top scorer on the day and she kept Magpie defenders busy with four goals.
Her attacking prowess was complemented by Sophie Wight, who put in a best-on-ground performance for the Demons along with two goals.
South kicked another two goals in the third and fourth terms, while Kalangadoo was held scoreless throughout the match.
Chloe Lines was another standout, as were Emily and Lucy Pridham and Tonique Burford.
Bailey Broome and Lucy Pridham rounded out the goal scorers with one each.
Taysha Marshall was the best of the Kalangadoo outfit and she put in a hard-working best-on-ground performance.
Kiristina Simmonds, Harmony Kennett, Stephanie Bingham and Abby Thompson also received a mention for their efforts.
CASTERTON SANDFORD 4.4 (28) d NORTH GAMBIER 2.7 (19)
In what was undoubtedly the match of the round, Casterton Sandford gave North Gambier a nine-point shakeup in Sunday’s third match.
The battle of the Cats was expected to be close and after a low-scoring first quarter North held a one-point advantage.
The Tigers found the big sticks in the second and entered the half-time break with an eight-point lead.
However, the Cats came out of the main break with renewed effort and an unanswered 2.1 return put them in front heading into the final stanza.
Another two goals in the fourth held the Tigers at bay despite another yellow and black goal and at the siren the Victorians emerged with a 28-19 point win.
Emily Huglin was the top performer for the Cats on the day.
She was aided by Amelia Thomas, Libby Altorfer, Chloe Finnigan and Gabrielle Sullivan among the best players, while Chloe Smith and Chelsea Wain kicked two goals each.
North looked to Mikaila Pitt as best on ground, with Chloe Perryman, Fiona Young and Hayley Pudney also highly featured.
Laura Chester and Geordan Thomas rounded out the best, with both kicking a goal each.
The result tightens up the top three, with Casterton Sandford now level on wins with North in third place.
MUNDULLA 20.7 (127) d KONGORONG 0.0 (0)
Mundulla made good use of the home-ground advantage on Sunday when it dealt a stinging 127-point defeat to Kongorong.
The Hawks were left scoreless for four quarters while the hosts drilled the scoreboard and made it clear to see why they sit on top of the ladder.
A six-goal opening term set the scene and from there on it continued to be one-way traffic.
Casey McElroy was a shining light for Mundulla and her relentless efforts earned her the best-on-ground honours.
Meanwhile, Erin Horsnell secured second best with her five-goal haul and Melody Maddern was also in fine form.
By half time the margin was an insurmountable 65 points, before another six-goal return in the third quarter pushed Mundulla’s total over 100.
Kaylene Rowett and Eliza Orrock were other reliable options inside the forward 50 and they finished up with four and three goals respectively.
Jacqui Altus and McElroy also had their moments with two majors each.
With so much firepower it was no surprise to see the final score a staggering 127 points, with an accurate return of 20.7.
The Hawks will now be sent back to the drawing board and they will hope to find a way to deal with the top teams prior to finals.
Hannah Kuhl-Miller was a highlight for the side as best-on-ground, while Sophie Longbottom, Sheree Ailey and Evie Sealey were also frontrunners despite the result.
