Finals begin this week. We have 2 big clashes with SMOSH West Lakes v Old Ignatians and Morphettville Park v Adelaide University
By Michelle Wakim
Adelaide University v Salisbury
Adelaide University met Salisbury in the weekend’s most intense hit out: both teams had their finals hopes on the line. Uni emerged on top, but Salisbury made Uni earn it. The game kicked off in Uni’s favour, seeing the first quarter scores sitting at 13 to zero. Uni had a lot of the footy in the first term and although they had a notable lead, their translation in front of goal was poor: one goal from eight scoring shots. Salisbury came alive in the second term, responding with two-goals-one to a mere three points from Uni leading into half time. The third quarter saw Salisbury come from behind and establish a five-point lead, resting at 29 to Uni’s 24 before the final term. Looking like the underdogs, Uni came out with strength, keeping Salisbury scoreless in the final quarter, scoring two-goals-one for themselves and seizing their opportunity to play finals footy. Eight points was all that was in it: a devastating loss for Salisbury, but a commendable season, nonetheless. Salisbury are yet to name their best on, but their goal scorers were Samantha Saunders with two, and Georgia Mee and Kayla McInerney with one each. For Uni, Ellie Davis scored two while taking out best on, and Neve Robins and Madelyn Zacher each contributed with a goal. Robins and Zacher joined Davis in the best, along with Ella Slape, and Tiarna Harfield. Uni, snagging that fifth finals spot, will play in an elimination final against Morphettville Park next week. Morphies have the home ground advantage, but Uni have momentum on their side, with two wins in the last two weeks.
Old Ignatians v Morphettville Park
In a decider for third spot – brining with it a double chance in finals – Old Ignatians stepped up to the plate, defeating Morphettville Park. The first quarter saw an even playing field, ending with 20 to 19, Ignatians’ way. But from here, the Old Scholars pushed forward, leaving their opponents behind. By half time Iggies held a two-goal lead, before displaying their dominance in the ‘premiership quarter’, scoring three goals two to Morphies’ two points. Going into the final quarter, Iggies had a 30-point lead. For the rest of the game, Morphies’ efforts were matched and that 30-point lead was sustained with a final score of 71 to 41. In losing this game, Morphies surrendered the luxury of a second chance in finals; they need to recover well and find some composure in the coming week if they are to make it through the elimination final that awaits against Adelaide University. Morphies’ goal scorers were Kaily Buchalka with two, and Sarah Wilton, Bronwen Iona Bosley, Chloe Karamoshos and Madeleine Smith with a goal each. The best were made up of Jessica Vanderwal , Sarah Vanderwal, Alice Bradley, Wilton, and Sammie Allan. Old Ignatians will suit up against SMOSH West Lakes next week. While Iggies are showing solid form, SMOSH will be tough to beat. Although Iggies have earnt themselves a second chance to fall back on, I’m sure they will approach the week with the same gusto they would in an elimination final. Best for Old Ignatians were Gabrielle Salt, Kate Ferguson, Alice Winter, Ellen Lynch, and Caitlin McCarron. Salt was a standout, putting six through the big sticks, taking her to third place on the leading goal scores table at the close of the home and away season. Amelia Rosella offered two, Adele Czechowicz, Isabelle Schwab, and Lynch all scored one.
SMOSH West Lakes v Golden Grove
SMOSH meeting Golden Grove was the blow-out of the round. SMOSH’s mammoth score of 118 was a steady build, each quarter adding at least four goals to the score board. On the other side of the game, Golden Grove were unable to hit the board once, with neither goals or points. In their last game of their home-and-away season Jordan Woodards, Georgia-Lee Nelson, Madison Koop, Jodie Billinger, and Jessica Bedell were named in Golden Grove’s best. Golden Grove have made it to the end of a long season with little success on the scoreboard, but hopefully they found enjoyment in the game itself and amongst their teammates. For SMOSH, their job isn’t done yet, as they will meet Old Ignatians next week: SMOSH are favourites but should not go in complacent. SMOSH is home to the league’s leading goal scorer, Remy Grant, who added five to her name over the weekend. Tehlara Lovett and Tayla Gordon added three each, Shae Partington gave two, and Sadie Lienert, Danielle Cresp, Sheridan Howell, Kassandra Stroh, and Faye Karafoulidis all scored one. Best grouped in Cresp, Poppy Waterford, Partington, Grant, Lovett, and Stroh. If SMOSH take out next week’s win, they will face Payneham in two weeks – their journey through finals will not be easy, but best of luck to the second spot side.
Payneham NU v Angle Vale
Payneham and Angle Vale followed much of the same narrative as SMOSH and Golden Grove, only not quite as severe. Angle Vale were unable to get digits next to their name, while Payneham finished with 12 goals and 17 points, 89. Although it’s been a tough season, Angle Vale kept their feet off the bottom of the ladder, still managing to have a taste of victory amid 2020. This week they celebrated Nicole Mark, Teagan Van Dijk, Emma Raschella, Erin Hite, Karissa Searle, and Bella Rigney in their best, with end of season celebration to come, I’m sure. Payneham now enjoy a week of rest, being propelled straight through to the Semi-Final where they will face the winner of next week’s clash between SMOSH and Old Ignatians. The top and undefeated side saw their consistent performers shine again, particularly in the forward line: Chloe Scheer with five, Tegan Roberts with two, Jennifer Frost, Emily Moxon, Rachel Calo, Nicole Tucker, and Elisha Nye with one. Scheer, Danielle Stewart, Nye, Tucker, and Ana Barisic made up Payneham’s best. Well done to Payneham on maintaining their top spot seat throughout the entire season and be sure to relish in your well-deserved week off!
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