Victorian Amateur Football Association: Whitefriars beats Williamstown CYMS in opening week of women’s finals

The wide expanses of the Whitefriars College oval proved too much for Williamstown CYMS to deal with as a determined Friars outfit won the Division 2 women’s first semi-final.

The wide expanses of the Whitefriars College oval proved too much for Williamstown CYMS to deal with as a determined Friars outfit won Saturday’s sudden death Division 2 women’s first semi-final.

With their seasons on the line, the third and fourth ranked teams went toe-to-toe for four quarters but it was Whitefriars that kept its nose in front, finally running out 3.1 (19) to 2.2 (14) winners.

Kicking with the wind, the Friars exploded out of the blocks with two goals in the first quarter.

The Seagulls, however, replied in kind in the second stanza and took a two-point lead to the main break.

The game tightened after half time and Whitefriars coach Tony Smith said it was anybody’s game.

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“It was a tight hard fought tussle all day,” he said. “It was windy, tough and there were lots of pressure and I am really very proud of the way the girls stood up and got through.

“Willy are a good side, they have some experienced hard bodies and we had to play well to get through today.”

Smith had to be creative after halftime in order to nurse the inexperienced Friars over the line.

“We put an extra number behind the ball in the last quarter because they had the wind and as a team we defended really well to hang on to the final siren,” he said.

Best for the Friars included captain Ilaria Akers and Kate Tull while Georgia Sjoden bagged two goals.

Whitefriars coach Tony Smith Picture: Valeriu Campan

After the game Smith reflected on the Friars’ first finals win and what has been an outstanding great season.

“It’s been an amazing year and I have seen the girls confidence grow right from the start,” he said. “Most of the list haven’t played before and didn’t know much about the game and now look at how much footy means to them, I mean have a look at the celebrations when the siren went. While winning isn’t everything we get to play again next week and that’s a good thing.”

Meanwhile, Whitefriars’ Division 2 men hold third spot after a 13.16 (94) to 7.16 (58) win over Powerhouse while Bulleen Templestowe thumped Eltham Collegians 22.15 (147) to 4.0 (24).

In Division 3, Manningham crashed outside the top four after a 94-point loss to Westbourne Grammarians, 20.15 (135) to 5.11 (41).

Bulleen Templestowe’s Billy Wilson gets a jump on Eltham Collegians. Picture: James Ross