Live stream: Herald Sun Shield openers feature Assumption, St Kevin’s, Ballarat Grammar, Sacred Heart Geelong

Neave Dickson kicked four goals as last year’s Herald Sun Shield Division 2 girls champs graduated to a Division 1 shock. Catch up on the Intermediate Boys and Senior Girls play in REPLAYS.

Geelong school Sacred Heart College has stunned four-time Herald Sun Division 1 girls champions Ballarat Grammar to make the semifinals of the tournament.

Last year’s Division 2 champions fought back from quarter time and three-quarter time deficits to overpower the Ballarat school.

WATCH THE GIRLS HERALD SUN SHIELD SEMIFINALS HERE

Early on it looked like Ballarat Grammar might be too strong, kicking to a two-goal lead at quarter time.

But Sacred Heart, through forward Neave Dickson, who kicked three goals in the first half and four overall, fought back to lead at the main break.

Ballarat responded to lead at the final break, but four final quarter goals by the Geelong school saw them prevail.

Ballarat captain Clare Mahony led from the front to kick two goals for Grammar but the team would be disappointed not to progress to the semis.

Sacred Heart will take on Melbourne Girls Grammar School next week.

Assumption College v St Kevin's College (Intermediate Boys)

ST KEVIN’S POWER INTO FINAL FOUR

St Kevin’s College has qualified for next week’s intermediate boys Division 1 semifinal after overcoming an early challenge from Assumption College to win by 31 points.

Led by Ashwin Currie and Louis Lefoe, who combined for five goals, St Kevin’s overcame a first quarter deficit to power into a final four clash with The Parade next week.

Early on it was all Assumption College who kicked one goal in the opening term and kept St Kevin’s to only managed two behinds.

But St Kevin’s bounced back in the second term to kick four goals to one and open up a 16-point lead.

They extended the lead in the second half to kick away to what in the end was a comfortable win.

PREVIEW

Ballarat Grammar has a point to prove in the 2024 Herald Sun Shield senior girls division one competition.

As one of the most successful teams in competition history, Grammar returns after missing out last year when Ballarat Clarendon College represented the Ballarat Associated Schools (BAS).

Their tournament starts with a tricky clash against Geelong’s Sacred Heart at 11.30am on Tuesday.

The game will follow the intermediate division one boys clash between Assumption College and St Kevin’s College, which kicks off at 9.30am.

Catch the action from both games LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV. Check the full Division 1 LIVE STREAM schedule below.

Ballarat Grammar has won the title four times, all between 2012 and 2019, but this year the path to win will be harder.

For the first time, the school has to win a play-in game before competing in the semis and, possibly, final.

“We are under no illusions that this competition is becoming more difficult every year,” Ballarat Grammar director of sport Dean Rossato said.

“They (Sacred Heart) have a large pool to choose from. But our girls didn’t do a thing wrong in the BAS season.

“They won the final convincingly against Ballarat Clarendon College.

“We’ve got high hopes for them to get through and have the chance to have a crack in the semi.”

The Ballarat school will be led by Greater Western Victoria Rebels players Claire Mahony, Greta Arnel and Maggie Johnston.

Johnston will be a welcome inclusion for the team after missing the BAS final.

“She missed the BAS final due to concussion so it will be great to have Maggie back in,” Rossato said.

“She’s (Mahony) an outstanding player, and a Vic Country rep.”

Arnel and Johnston will be the key players in the midfield, with Mahony potentially joining them.

Ballarat Grammar is chasing its fifth Herald Sun Shield title.

But with her skills as a forward, Rossato said she could will be used as a utility.

Rossato added a player to watch was Year-8 student Emma Betts, who will make her school senior team debut in the Herald Sun Shield.

He said she can kick on both feet and knows how where the goals are.

For Sacred Heart, the contest will be a step up compared to last year.

The Geelong school are the reigning division two champions girls but this year makes the step up after winning the Respect Cup.

“We obviously wanted to defend our Herald Sun shield title from 2023 but being brought up to Div 1 this year, it is definitely going to be a big challenge, so excited and determined for that too,” Sacred Heart captain Mekah Morrissy said.

“The season has gone well passing through the GISSA competition pretty confidently.

“Turning it up now is the most important part to verse tougher teams.”

Sacred Heart concedes the step up will be a challenge against Ballarat Grammar.

But coach Josh Todd is confident of a good showing.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to be moved up to Division 1 after our success last year,” he said.

“If every player plays their part in the team and enjoys the experience for what it is, we can walk away with our heads held high no matter the result.

“As long as we stick to our strengths and give our best effort, we will be happy.”

Originally published as Live stream: Herald Sun Shield openers feature Assumption, St Kevin’s, Ballarat Grammar, Sacred Heart Geelong