Tara Murray
Burnside Heights has shown it is not a one horse race in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 competition, knocking off Greenvale.
The top of the table clash between the Bears and Jets at Greenvale Recreation Reserve lived up to expectation with nothing between the two sides all day.
The Jets led by one point at quarter time and the margin was still the same at the main break.
The Bears kicked two goals to one in the third quarter to open up an eight point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Bears were able to hold on in the final quarter, winning 5.8 (38)-4.7 (31).
Bears president Justin Peagram said the group was really excited and video chatted him right after the game to share the news.
“The girls were really excited,” he said. “It was a really good contest and both teams played some really good footy.
“It was played in good spirits. A top of the table contest that lived up to the hype, the girls were fortunate to be in front at the end.”
Peagram said both teams had their opportunities during the game, with the margin getting out to 10-13 points before it was brought back in.
Peagram said it was their leaders that really stood up in Krissy Trang, Kayla Ravenello, Holly McGregor and Ebony Stevens.
Most pleasing was the performances of some of other girls who haven’t played as much senior football.
“They are starting to come through,” he said. “Abbey O’Mara had a good game as did Ally Salpingidis and Holly Taylor.
“Kiara Asani-Davis is another who played well after coming across from Taylors Lakes.
“It’s good to have the youth in the team and they provide plenty of energy.”
The Bears remain in second spot, but are now eight points behind the Jets.
Peagram said they were keen to lock in a top two spot in the last few rounds.
The Bears play the Sunbury Lions this Saturday.
“We want to finish top two as it gives us a good opportunity come finals,” he said.
“The double chance is good. We face Greenvale in the last round and we could play them in the first week of finals too.
“The Doutta Stars are still there and Gisborne is still there too.
“There’s not much between the four teams on their day.”
In premier division, Hillside gave its hopes of avoiding relegation a boost, getting a second win for the season.
Facing Strathmore, which also entered the match with one win, the Sharks had no issues, winning 5.11 (41)-1.3 (9).
Yara Taylor and Abony Wilkie kicked two goals each for the Sharks. The Wilkie sisters, Annalise and Ebony, were named their best.
The Sharks remain in seventh position.
They have a bye this week as part of the split round.
