By Mathew Asciak
The women’s development squad encountered an in-form Karingal outfit at Jackson Reserve yesterday afternoon, an important clash that could solidify Coburg’s position in the top two of the competition with Warragul.
While scores were tied at half time, the Lions were able to get on top in the second half to record a 13-point victory.
The opening exchanges were in favour of the home side, controlling the ball and keeping it their attacking half. However, Karingal were resolute defensively, restricting the Lions ability to have a clean entry inside 50 and capitalise on the early play. Karingal would be rewarded for their defensive output, countering from their defensive half to open the scoring. Ruby Taranto opened the scoring for the Burgers, taking a strong mark after a deep inside 50, leveling the scores at one -goal apiece. Karingal struck late in the quarter to take a 7-point first quarter lead.
Coburg began the 2nd term much like the opening, creating repeat inside 50’s, but unable to capitalise on the entries. Teagan Bradley was doing great in and around the contest, finding Taranto on a few occasions, but the Karingal backline held strong. Alana Wenban has been utilised all around the ground of late, moved from defence to midfield in recent weeks, today, however, she found herself at full forward, kicking the Lions opening goal of the term after some great crumbing work in the forward pocket. Scores were tied 16 apiece at the half time break.
A missed opportunity from Karingal early in the quarter was quickly punished by the Lions, as Isabella Hayes found a pocket of space for an inside 50 mark thirty metres out, kicking truly for the Burgers first goal of the half and out them in the lead. The lead was extended immediately after, extending their lead to 12 points. Coburg continued to dominate proceedings; however, they were unable to impact the scoreboard. Karingal would reduce the deficit, after a fantastic running goal from the boundary line.
Kristelle Vanderwolf had been influential throughout, using her ability to evade opposing players and create opportunities for her teammates. After a great contest by Taranto, Vanderwolf read the ball of hands expertly, swooped in and executed a right foot snap from the pocket, creating a healthy buffer on the scoreboard. The away side would get a goal back, decreasing the Coburg lead to 7 points. Teagan Cradley would put the game beyond reach, snapping expertly from a stoppage inside 50.
Scores:
Coburg: 1.0.(6) | 2.4.(16) | 4.5.(29) | 6.6. (42)
Karingal: 2.1.(13) | 2.4.(16) | 3.5.(23) | 4.5.(29)
Goals:
Taranto 2, Wenban, Hayes, Vanderwolf, Bradley
Best:
Yelland, Vanderwolf, Collis
