By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Sunday morning football delivered an impressive win by the Seagulls at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, after a tight contest between both clubs.
The Seagulls won the first clearance of the match, from midfielder Emily Eaves, who won a free kick from the middle.
Inside the first minute, Williamstown hit first on the scoreboard, with Kiera Leare kicking a behind, from relentless pressure from all small forwards.
Attacking the ball hard was Williamstown’s defence, as defender Jemima Wrigley was awarded a free kick for a push in the back, allowing Williamstown to reset going forward.
With constant pressure, the Seagulls were able to lock the ball in their attacking half. Williamstown may have only managed points, but they were able to put pressure on the Sandringham kickouts.
The Seagulls were finally able to convert a goal with an intercept mark by Sharnie Whiting. She was awarded a 50m penalty before slotting through a goal.
The Williamstown defenders kept their feet and created contests all over the ground, limiting Sandringham to no goals kicked in the first quarter.
Williamstown had the lead at the first break, leading by 9 points.
The scoring in the second quarter slowed for the Seagulls, as they were held to no score. The Zebras took the lead after kicking two goals and 3 points, taking a 6-point lead into halftime.
The Seagulls came out strong in the second half, dominating the inside 50s, in which they led the game by 13.
Relentless pressure and holding her position, India Barker took an intercept mark, resulting in a 50m penalty. Barker managed to squeeze through the goal, leveling up the game at 15-15, early in the third quarter.
At the 16th minute mark, Sandringham took back the lead by kicking a tight goal, taking a 6-point lead into the last quarter.
An unrelenting hunt and run-down tackle from midfielder Megan Williamson set up a scoring opportunity for the Seagulls, as Georgia Howes delivered a kick to the top of the square, resulting in a mark from Neve Crowley. Crowley then converted the goal from the left side, deep in the pocket.
Shortly after, defender Camryn Bux slotted through another goal, kicking her first VFLW goal, giving Williamstown a 7-point lead.
While the Seagulls looked to be home, a late goal kicked by Sandringham closed the margin to 1 point.
Williamstown were able to hold on and win the game.
The Seagulls’ domination started in the midfield, as they won the hit outs 56-42 as well as the tackles 78-82.
Playing in her debut game, Krystal Russell dominated in the ruck, gathering 36 hit-outs and 6 tackles. Her presence was known around the ground.
Ash Thorneycroft played a key role in the gripping win collecting 15 disposals, 11 of those contested, 13 tackles, 4 clearances and 3 inside 50’s.
Doing it all for Williamstown was the midfield duo of Emily Eaves and Megan Williamson. Their numbers speak for themselves. Williamson managed 11 disposals, 8 tackles and 4 clearances, whilst Eaves collected 16 disposals, 9 tackles and 4 clearances.
Williamstown will now focus on their next game on Sunday against Carlton at IKON Park, hoping to continue their winning streak.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.3 | 1.3 | 2.5 | 4.5 (29)
SANDRINGHAM 0.0 | 2.3| 3.4 | 4.4 (28)
Best Players: Thorneycroft, Eaves, Barker, Williamson, Russell, Whiting
Goal Kickers: Whiting, Crowley, Bux, Barker
