By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Game one of the double header, delivered a close contest between competitors Port Melbourne and Williamstown at ETU Stadium on Saturday morning.
For the first time since Round 5, the Seagulls welcomed two debutants, Yasmin Welsford and Mia Giannopoulos.
Port Melbourne were able to convert two quick goals to begin the match and their constant pressure and hunt put Williamstown in hot water all over the ground.
The Borough struck again with another goal. However, through the Seagulls’ tackle pressure and constant surge, Williamstown were able to respond with a goal from Sharnie Whiting, who kicked it brilliantly from the boundary line, dribbling it through.
Celebrating appropriately, Whitting’s goal gave the Seagulls momentum and a boost, heading into the first break.
Williamstown tried to wrestle momentum back their way to begin the second quarter, but Port Melbourne had all the energy, converting two goals.
The Seagulls had intentions of heading into the forward 50 but struggled to find a clear target.
Attempting to spark a scoring opportunity, forward Gaby De Angelis battled three defenders alone, streaming out of the pack before flicking the ball forward.
Midfielders Ash Thorneycroft and Ruby Mahony both made their mark this quarter, effectively utilising their disposals inside Williamstown’s attacking end and single-handedly moving the ball forward.
The main break came around quickly for Gulls supporters with Port leading 34-6.
The Seagulls responded early in the third, rebounding the ball, with a clean link up play involving Whiting and Vice-Captain Emily Eaves before De Angelis capped it off, taking a strong mark.
De Angelis slotted the goal, one minute into the quarter.
Williamstown’s efforts however were short lived as Port went on to kick three goals in a row.
In the late stages of the third, Izzy Khoury was able to slot through a goal for the Seagulls after taking a strong contested mark, kicking her first ever goal in the blue and gold.
Entering the fourth, Port was able to convert a goal four minutes in. However, Williamstown then kept them scoreless for the last 15 minutes of the game and kicked their own goal through Neve Crowley.
Crowley gained respectability for the Seagulls on the scoreboard, slotting through a set shot to cut the margin.
Despite the loss, Williamstown never gave up fight and ultimately played to the final siren.
Thorneycroft was very effective within all four quarters, collecting 17 disposals (eight contested) three inside 50s and five clearances.
De Angelis and Mahony also provided a spark as Mahony gathered 12 disposals, nine tackles and four clearances, whilst De Angelis collected 11 disposals, two inside 50s and a goal.
Williamstown look to their next game against the Darebin Falcons on Sunday at Genis Steel Oval, aiming to get back on the winners list.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.0 | 1.0 | 3.1 | 4.3 (27)
PORT MELBOURNE 3.3 | 5.4| 8.4 | 9.4 (58)
Best Players: Thorneycroft, De Angelis, Blue, Mahony, Bain, Williamson
Goal Kickers: Khoury, De Angelis, Whiting, Crowley
