Composed Cranbourne holds off Seaford to record first win in the new VFL Women’s competition

CRANBOURNE is on the board in the new VFL Women’s competition after winning a thriller.

VFL Women's match: Seaford v Cranbourne

ON the board.

A week after copping a 197-point thrashing, Cranbourne has broken through for its first win in the new VFL Women’s competition.

Boosted by the inclusion of three key players, as well as a marking masterclass by defender Danielle Hardiman, the Eagles edged Seaford by three points, 8.8 (56) to 6.17 (53), at Seaford on Sunday.

Cranbourne coach Kris Smith was delighted with his players’ composure in a frenetic finish.

“We worked our way through it, held on to the ball and controlled the play,’’ he said.

Cranbourne had a rugged introduction to the new league with a stinging defeat to Darebin, 31 goals to one.

But the Eagles re-focused and took a stronger side into Round 2, with premiership players Ashleigh Fennell and Corrine Cullis returning and former Victorian player Courtney Clarkson making her Cranny debut.

Clarkson was playing her first game in two years and did well, tackling and marking strongly.

“With a couple more games under her belt she will really hit her straps,’’ Smith said.

Cranbourne's Danielle Hardiman takes one of many marks against Seaford on Sunday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Hardiman was brilliant at centre half back, marking everything that came her way. “She must have taken 50 marks,’’ Smith said, with a hint of exaggeration.

Cranbourne’s other prime movers were Hayley Wildes and Marlee Tatham, who kicked two goals apiece. The only lowlight was an ankle injury to Alicia Heins.

Cranbourne will unfurl its 2015 premiership flag before hosting Melbourne Uni at Casey Fields this Sunday.

Seaford 2.3 4.5 4.5 6.17 (53) lt Cranbourne 2.1 5.5 5.5 8.8 (56).

GOALS: Seaford: Bury 2 Hosking Gillespie-Jones Hosking Bonnet.

Cranbourne: Wildes 2 Tatham 2 McLeod Clarkson Wilder Jakobsson.

BEST:

Seaford: Hosking Hosking Boyd Bury Eberle Thompson.