St Kilda Sharks claim the big scalp of Melbourne University
STAR spearhead Mo Hope bags five goals as St Kilda Sharks hold out Melbourne University at North Port Oval.
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IN a new initiative by AFL Victoria, last Saturday’s Round 6 VFL women’s game between St Kilda Sharks and undefeated Melbourne University was played as a curtain-raiser before the Port Melbourne and Footscray VFL game at North Port Oval.
Coached by retired Melbourne high flyer Shaun Smith, the Sharks improved to 4-2 as Mo Hope booted five goals in St Kilda’s 7.5 (47) to 5.9 (39) win.
The Sharks started the game well, applying pressure across the ground.
The backline, led by skipper Penny Cula-Reid, was resolute and the midfielders won plenty of the ball, giving full forward Hope great supply.
The spearhead kicked the first two goals of the game and Mugars coach Andrew Jago responded by moving hard-running Cecilia McIntosh on to her.
The Sharks took a 29-point lead into the main break, having kicked four goals to just three behinds in the second quarter. Hope was deadly up forward going into the break with four majors on the board.
Led by courageous skipper Emma Kearney, Melbourne University ran and carried the ball and applied fierce pressure to Sharks at every contest in the third quarter.
The Mugars kicked four goals in the second half while the Sharks managed just one after half time.
In the end the Sharks backline stood tall with Mia-Rae Clifford putting her body on the line time after time to deny the Mugars as the Sharks ran out seven-point winners.
St Kilda has a bye this weekend.
Sharks: 2.3 6.4 7.5 7.5 (47) def Mugars: 1.2 1.5 3.9 5.9 (39)
Goals Sharks: M Hope 5, T Hyett, B Davey 1
Goals Mugars: K Ashmore, N Stevens, E Kearney, S Wilson, G Pound 1
Best Sharks: M Clifford, M Hope, P Cula-Reid, P McWilliams, B Davey, J Garner. Best Mugars: E Kearney, B Lochland, C O’Bryan, G Pound, N Hildebrand, K Tapner
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