By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
A bright sunny Mother’s Day delivered a close-fitting contest between stand-alone rivals, Port Melbourne and Williamstown, at DSV Stadium on Sunday.
The Seagulls welcomed back Zoe Day and Brittney Gray into the team, as well as two new debutants, Camryn Bux and Melina Ciavarella.
Constant pressure and hunt from both teams to start the game made it hard for either team to put a score on the board.
The first score came seven minutes into the game, with a minor score from Jemima Wrigley, who streamed into Williamstown’s forward 50.
Port Melbourne struck first with two goals. However, through the Seagulls’ tackle pressure and constant surge, Williamstown were able to respond with a goal from Brittney Gray, who snuck behind the play and celebrated accordingly.
Williamstown tried to wrestle momentum back their way to begin the second quarter, as the Seagull defenders and midfield group looked to put pressure on Port with repeat entries into their forward 50.
Neve Crowley converted the Seagulls’ second goal of the game, showing composure on the left and slotting through the set shot.
Midfielder Megan Smart and defender Eloise Freeman both made their mark this quarter, effectively utilising their disposals inside Williamstown’s attacking end.
A potential goal of the year nomination dribble kick from the boundary by Teagan Brett gave Williamstown their third goal of the game and the 1-point lead entering halftime.
Port Melbourne responded early in the third, putting themselves in front, leading to multiple lead changes throughout the game.
Despite the multiple efforts by Wrigley and De Angelis, the Seagulls were unable to score any goals this quarter and were down 29-21 at the final break.
Port Melbourne was able to score within the first minute of the fourth quarter, stretching the lead over the Seagulls.
Standing up in the fourth quarter, Eaves was determined to get the Seagulls over the line. Eaves slimmed the margin back after converting a free kick set shot, subsequently after being tackled high.
Eaves was very effective throughout the game, collecting 16 disposals, 14 of those contested, 3 inside 50s, 8 clearances and a goal.
The Seagulls showed determination and grit in the fourth, proving they were not done yet.
Despite the loss, Williamstown won the inside 50 count 34-33 and hit outs 24-39.
Jemima Wrigley provided a spark from the backline, collecting 17 disposals, 5 tackles and 5 intercept possessions.
The goals were spread out among the team, with four different providers.
Williamstown will concentrate on their next game against the top of the table leaders, Sandringham Zebras, on Sunday at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.1 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 4.3 (27)
PORT MELBOURNE 2.1 | 3.2| 4.5 | 5.7 (37)
Best Players: Wrigley, Eaves, De Angelis, Smart, Freeman, Crowley
Goal Kickers: Brett, Eaves, Crowley, Gray
