By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Early Sunday morning, DSV Stadium provided a low-scoring, close-fitting contest between the Bulldogs and the Seagulls in sunny yet windy conditions.
The Seagulls looked to attack straight from the first bounce, as midfielder Emily Eaves streamed out of the middle, reading the opposition’s ruck tap.
Williamstown utilised the boundary in the first quarter, as Sharnie Whiting delivered with the ball efficiently when in her hands.
Despite the pressure from both defensive and attacking forces, Williamstown and the Bulldogs couldn’t generate any score.
Scores were 0-0 at the first break.
The second term was full of intercepts and unrelenting pressure from all players on the field, despite the low scoring. The Seagulls’ defence held up strong, pressing the ball forward.
Transitioning from offence to defence, the Seagulls were able to convert a point off the boot of Eaves.
The scoring in the first two quarters slowed for the Seagulls, as they were held to no score. However, the Bulldogs were unable to score as well.
The Seagulls took a 1-point lead into halftime.
The third quarter brought tight contests all over the ground.
Williamstown’s defence attacked the ball hard and showed composure. Defenders Zara Guss and Laura Blue played their roles and ultimately saved the game with game-saving tackles.
Second and third efforts from Zara Guss set the tone for the Seagulls entering the fourth quarter.
Nonetheless, the Bulldogs managed to score a goal with just 20 seconds remaining in the quarter.
The Seagulls were trailing 1-6 as the Bulldogs led going into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was action-packed, as Williamstown found another gear and kicked two goals.
Six minutes into the quarter, Georgia Howes produced a ripper goal out of nothing. Howes snapped the ball around the corner, taking back the lead.
Five minutes later, the Seagulls scored again as Ruck Cat O’Bryan took advantage of the free kick and slotted through the set shot.
Williamstown controlled most of the game, winning the disposal, kick and inside 50’s count. In addition, the Seagulls dominated the clearances 51-27, claiming victory when it mattered most.
Doing it all for Williamstown was Ash Thorneycroft, playing a pivotal role in the win. She collected 17 disposals, 10 of those contested, 13 tackles, 5 clearances and 6 inside 50’s.
Midfielder duo Emily Eaves and Megan Williamson once again proved their influence by playing their roles. Eaves gathered 19 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 9 tackles and a huge 14 clearances.
Georgia Howes stood tall, collecting 12 disposals and 28 hit outs in addition to hitting the scoreboard, alongside other Ruckman Cat O’Bryan.
The Seagulls battled hard, continuing to put pressure on all teams they come across.
Williamstown now head into the league bye before facing the Casey Demons at Casey Fields on Saturday 14th June, hoping to continue their winning streak.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2.1 (13)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.0 | 0.0| 1.0 | 1.0 (6)
Best Players: Eaves, Williamson, Thorneycroft, O’Bryan, Howes, Blue
Goal Kickers: O’Bryan, Howes
