By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Sunday morning football delivered a tight contest between both clubs in near-perfect conditions at IKON Park.
The Seagulls hit the scoreboard within the first 20 seconds of the match. A playbook tap from ruck Cat O’Bryan and clearance from Emily Eaves sparked a red-hot start, as Georgia Howes slotted through Williamstown’s first goal.
Responding with a goal was Carlton, just five minutes later. However, through relentless pressure and a surge on the ball, the Seagulls were able to intercept and press the ball forward.
After sneaking forward, O’Bryan was able to convert a goal after intercepting a kick in Williamstown’s forward 50.
Williamstown had the lead at the first break, leading by nine points.
The second term was full of intercepts and unrelenting pressure from all players on the field. The Seagulls’ defence held up strong, continuously marking any ball that came their way.
Williamstown were able to transition the ball from their defensive 50 to their forward 50 with ease, as small forward Keira Leare played her role, by crumbing and kicking the goal.
Moments later, Brittney Gray picked up a goal assist by finding Molly Simpson in the goal square alone. Simpson converted the Seagulls’ fourth goal of the game.
The Seagulls took a 12-point lead into halftime.
Finding another gear in the third quarter, Williamstown excelled with a goal inside 17 seconds of the quarter. A clean clearance from midfielder Megan Williamson drove the ball into F50, as Simpson smartly tapped the ball to Teagen Brett’s advantage, before snapping the goal.
Carlton quickly answered by kicking a goal.
Despite the 20-point lead by Williamstown, Carlton came out with pressure entering the fourth quarter.
The scoring in the last quarter slowed for the Seagulls, as they were held to no score. The Blues looked to take the lead but were unable to convert.
Williamstown’s defence attacked the ball hard and showed composure. Defenders Zoe Day and Jemima Wrigley both stood up and made it hard for the Blues forwards to make a real impact.
The Seagulls’ hunt for the ball was immense all over the ground. Williamstown dominated in winning the clearances and inside 50s of the game, giving the forwards first use.
Doing it all for Williamstown was Ash Thorneycroft, who was a key reason for the win. She collected 27 disposals, 14 of those contested, 13 tackles, 9 clearances and 3 inside 50’s.
Emily Eaves and India Barker once again proved their dominance by playing their roles. Eaves gathered 20 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 9 tackles, 5 clearances and 6 intercept possessions. Whilst Barker managed 15 disposals, 5 intercept possessions and 6 clearances herself.
The Seagulls held off a rampaging Blues to secure their fourth win of the season.
Williamstown will now face the Western Bulldogs at DSV Stadium on Sunday morning, hoping to take home four more points.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 2.3 | 4.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 (33)
CARLTON 1.0 | 1.1| 2.3 | 3.3 (21)
Best Players: Thorneycroft, Eaves, Barker, Wrigley, Whiting, Leare
Goal Kickers: Brett, O’Bryan, Simpson, Leare, Howes
