By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
In cold conditions, Saturday morning football delivered a low-scoring affair between ladder leaders North Melbourne Werribee and the Williamstown Seagulls.
Williamston made no changes to their lineup this week keeping the same victors in as Round 9.
The Seagulls scored the first clearance of the match and dominated territory early on. They had the momentum, kicking the ball forward.
With the ball locked in Williamstown’s forward 50, a clean clearance from Megan Williamson out of the pack created an opportunity for forward Georgia Howes to hit the scoreboard. However, her kick went left and resulted in a point.
Williamstown had all the territory and most of the play in their forward 50. They led 2-1 at the first break.
To start the second term, North surged forward, creating opportunities for them to score. North was able to kick the first goal of the game, 15 minutes into the second quarter, breaking the deadlock.
With constant 1v1s all over the ground, the second quarter proved to be a tight contest. Williamstown defenders kept their feet and created contests all over the ground.
However, North Melbourne quickly kicked another goal, adding to their lead at the main break (16-2).
The Seagulls got right to work at the start of the third. In the opening two minutes, Emily Eaves managed to kick a set-shot goal, sparking a Williamstown comeback.
The third quarter was marked by frequent stoppages as the Seagulls displayed immense pressure on North.
But again, North managed to kick another goal in the dying seconds of the third quarter to lead 9-25 entering the fourth quarter.
To begin the fourth, North looked to hit the corridor, opening up Williamstown and kicking their fourth goal of the game, ultimately sealing the deal.
The Seagulls never dropped their heads and continued to fight until the final siren.
A standout play showcased Ash Thorneycroft’s relentless effort on the wing to drive the ball into the forward 50.
Despite the loss, Williamstown won the clearances by 7 and won the hit outs by 15.
Emily Eaves continued her dominance of the season, kicking Williamstown’s only goals and collecting 17 disposals (10 contested) and 10 clearances.
Supporting Eaves was India Barker, who managed 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 intercept possessions and 3 clearances.
Defenders Laura Blue, Zoe Day and Jemima Wrigley all played pivotal roles within the game. Intercepting and possessing the ball, creating impacts all over the ground.
Williamstown will now focus on their rematch against Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium on Saturday 5 July at 10:05am, hoping to get back on the winners’ list.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.3 | 1.6 (12)
NORTH MELBOURNE WERRIBEE 0.1 | 2.4| 3.7 | 4.9 (33)
Best Players: Day, Wrigley, Eaves, Blue, Barker, Howes
Goal Kickers: Eaves (2)
