The East Malvern girls looked smart in their bright pink jumpers on the Castlefield oval for the 3:30pm kick off. And, the first quarter set the scene for a strong physical game under the watchful eye of the Monash University cameras researching concussion and the use of helmets. A good even match with the Hampton lasses coming out on top.
Tilda was up and at ‘em from the start. With her blonde hair bopping on top of her head, she took some good marks and plenty of dogged second attempts at the ball. It was also marvelous to have Maddie back after injury, her tackling and persistence on show for all. Good defensive work from Mia K, Lottie and Squiz kept the Malvern girls at bay this quarter and three points to us.
Then the clouds rolled in and the blackness descended. The wind whipped up sheeting ice from the Antarctic and rain from the heavens. Andrew desperately tried to get the lights on the ground, but the Council’s wisdom reigned; no lights on before 4:30pm.
Undeterred, Lottie marked the ball and danced through the centre mud patch. Shanti bravely tackled and fought off the opposition alongside Claudia and Abbey. However, those Malvern girls also had grit and their perseverance paid off with a goal in the second term. We squinted and strained from the sidelines, with dark clouds overhead. My prescription lens sunnies and frozen fingers were useless in pursuit of recording the game. All we could do was press on. Or in Bowie’s (the dog’s) case, hump on. Never have spectator legs been so inviting.
Coach Josh’s words at half time called for the girls to get dirty – urging them to bend down into the mud to get the ball. Try to kick long in the wet as hand balls are hard with a heavy, slippery ball.
Maddie rallied with a goal, then came off the ground, hampered by a hamstring. But she wasn’t off for long, her determination shining through. Daisy drove on, dive rolling in her trademark way, and dazzling throughout. Aliah and Mika looked sleek guiding the ball forward. And, Jane looked good on the boundary too, showing flair in her new role.
The final quarter saw Lizzie strong in defence and Elicia rise to the fight. The temperature gauge showed 9.8 but it felt like 3.2 degrees. Those BOM decimals really telling the story. The last few minutes sent the Trainer’s blood pressure soaring with those Malvern goals tapping near the goals. Just blow the siren!!! Our girls prevailed however, notably Mia S and K showing courage through to the end. Good defensive pressure all round and we hung tough to win the game. Final score 10 to 7.
Training award to Mia Kennedy for bringing a sense of fun, as well as doing what is asked of her. BOG to Daisy for dazzling throughout the game. Lizzie awarded for a job well done in defence and great effort awarded to Batman, AKA Liv.
Great win girls.
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