Photo by Highflyer Images
Southport have continued their unbeaten run with a devastating second half over their Gold Coast rivals Bond University running out winners by 46 points at Fankhauser reserve.
In fact, the Bull Sharks kicked the first two goals of the match and despite not scoring in the second term, trailed by only five points at the main break after holding the Sharks to only two goals themselves.
However, whatever was said in the home dressing room worked as Southport were sparked into overdrive by their Queensland rep players. Maddy Baldwin slotted home two majors in the third quarter with Tayla Gregory, Steph O’Brien and Kierra Zerafa who took control of the midfield. However, it was Sunny Lappin that led the disposals with 32 and eight clearances.
Aside from Baldwin’s three goals for the match, Dekota Baron chipped in with two, as the Sharks outscored their opponents eight goals to two after half-time to comfortably win 10.10.(70) to 4.0.(24). They also had an amazing 52 to 18 inside 50’s resulting in 14 marks inside the forward zone.
For Bond, state rep players Shannon Nolan (30 disposals 7 tackles), Ella Calleja (14 disposals) and Kendra Blattman (10 hitouts and a goal) battled hard all day. Maisy Evans though was one of the Bull Sharks best contributors as she took it up to Gregory in the ruck with 22 hit outs and two goals in her 14 disposals along with Grace Moodie (20 disposals).
The match at Fankhauser turned out to be ‘smallest’ winning margin for the round as teams with finals aspirations were simply too strong for other clubs with young players that are still gaining valuable experience.
Despite being only one win behind their opposition and a possible finals berth heading into this round, University of Queensland were stopped in their tracks by a rampant Aspley at Graham Road 11.8 74 to 2.2 14.
The opening term saw both sides score a goal apiece, but having lost two of their last three and their sixth place on the ladder under threat, the Hornets were stung into action. UQ managed only one more goal for the game as Aspley added a further 10 (goals) over the next three quarters to have the final margin at 60 points and open a two-game break over their opposition.
State player Kaitlyn Day at her damaging best with 31 disposals and two goals, Jesse McMillan (23 and two), Jessica Stallard kicked three goals in her 17 possessions, with Lucia Liessi, Ana van de Wiel and Gabrielle Roberts among the Hornets best.
Farradai Hopkins, 21 disposals 12 tackles and seven clearances, Harriet Knijff (19,7 and 4) with Eva Sartor and Elka Barnett listed as the best for the Red Lionesses.
Coorparoo took advantage of Bond University’s loss at Southport to climb into third place on the ladder with a big win over Moreton Bay 13.16.94 to 1.0.6
The Kings dominating the inside 50 stats there as well resulting in three goals each to Indiana Scheffler, Edie Fraser and Chelsea Chesterfield who stays in touch on the goal kicking tally with 21 and six behind the Bull Sharks’ Kendra Blattman (27).
Ayla Fetahagic picked up 29 possessions with Grace Roberts-White (25) and Renee Teys had a good day in the ruck with 24 hit outs and 15 disposals.
The strength of second placed Morningside proved too much for the young Maroochydore side on the Sunshine Coast. Harlee Mcllwain and Zoe Petrides booted four goals each for the Panthers.
Meanwhile, Wilston Grange remained in touch with the top four following a percentage boosting win over Yeronga South Brisbane who continue to find their feet and learn from playing quality opposition.