Blues and Swans forced to battle for wins

Kayla McIntosh kicks Northern Beaches into attack against Sawtell/Toormina. Photo: Green Shoots Marketing

TRAILING be less than a goal half way through the third quarter and attacking relentlessly, Sawtell/Toormina players could’ve been forgiven for thinking they were on the verge of causing an upset against Northern Beaches.

But with one clean forward thrust that came from a transition from within defensive-50, Shania King was able to get on the end of the good play of her Northern Beaches teammates and score the goal that gave the Blues enough breathing space to go ahead and get their sixth win of the season.

Another goal in the final term to Gabby Boyle sealed the result but Northern Beaches coach Adrian Roberts admitted the contest was a struggle for his team.

“Coming off a big win like we did last week and not being able to train on Thursday because of the weather, I think it too a lot out of the girls last week so I expected this game to be a bit of a challenge to get up but they ground it out,” Roberts said.

While Sawtell/Toormina was unable to get goals on the board while they were controlling possession, Saints coach Bec Minichilli said there were positives to take from the 19-point loss.

“When we had the ball inside our forward-50 and missed, we were able to lock it in there which was something that we haven’t done in previous games,” Minichilli said.

“But I think we really matched them for skill levels. I think we played a level that we haven’t played at before and it was really lovely to see.”

The highlight of the match at Richardson Park wasn’t a goal or a high mark, it was a player simply having a go. Chloe Schoeffell has been an integral part of the Saints group this year and she finally was able to take the field among the women she’s encouraged throughout the team’s journey.

When Chloe received a handball and managed to get a kick away, the encouragement she received in return from both teams was outstanding.

Minichilli said that moment took away almost all of the disappointment she had about losing.

“I’ve spoken to Chloe’s Mum and sister and they were saying thank you so much for what you’ve done for us but I can assure you Chloe’s done more for us than we have for that family,” the coach said.

“She (Chloe) came to us at the start of the season, she wanted to get a bit fitter. She’s there every day, she’s happy and smiling regardless of what’s going on on the outside, she’s there giving the girls a high five and encouraging them every game.

“She was with us when our culture was really suffering as a team and we didn’t know if we were going to put a team on the park and she was there. And what she did by just being there and being herself and being happy and trying regardless of her skill level was teach everybody else that they should do the same.

“I have never in my life felt like we’ve won when we’ve lost like we did after the game. Never been so happy to have a loss if you know what I mean. And that’s because our culture at Sawtell women is based on being there for each other and being able to get Chloe in the game is an example of that.”

SAWTELL/TOORMINA 0.0 1.0 1.3 1.3 (9)
NORTHERN BEACHES 1.3 1.7 2.8 3.10 (28)
Goals – NB: G.Boyle 2, S.King. Saw: F.Lane.

 

GRAFTON came close to recording its first win of the season but the Lismore Swans steadied in the final term to draw away to a 20-point win.

In fact the Tigers kicked the first goal of the final term to take the lead before the home kicked three majors.

Lismore coach Ken McPherson had nothing but praise for the Tigers.

“Grafton were very, very competitive,” he said.

“From the first round match against them until Saturday’s game, they’ve improved out of sight. They’re tackling pressure made us have to work hard.

“Being four points down five minutes into the last quarter, our girls worked harder to kick three goals in the last 10 minutes to blow it out a little bit.”

Ruby Morris was the shining light in front of goal for the Swans kicking four goals. At the other end the lightning fast Hanna Tait booted three majors for the Tigers.

LISMORE SWANS 2.0 4.3 4.6 7.8 (50)
GRAFTON TIGERS 2.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 (30)
Goals – Lis: R.Morris 4, S.Allen, S.Whiston, A.Keen. Graf: H.Tait 3, M.Anderson, E.Crispe.

WOMEN’S LADDER

	P	W	D	L	WIN %	FOR	AGST	%
Coffs Breakers	7	6	0	1	85.71	398	81	491.36
Northern Beaches	7	6	0	1	85.71	325	135	240.74
Lismore Swans	7	5	0	2	71.43	265	153	173.20
Port Macquarie	6	2	0	4	33.33	96	172	55.81
Sawtell/Toormina	6	1	0	5	16.67	65	251	25.90
Grafton	7	0	0	7	0.00	73	431	16.94

ROUND 11 – Saturday, July 10

NORTHERN BEACHES vs NAMBUCCA VALLEY at Centennial Oval, Woolgoolga
(2.50pm – Seniors)
GRAFTON vs PORT MACQUARIE at Ellem Oval, Grafton
(10am – Under-17s [Tigers vs Saints]; 11.50am – Women; 1.20pm – Reserves; 2.50pm – Seniors)
COFFS BREAKERS vs LISMORE SWANS at Fitzroy Oval/Old Camp, Coffs Harbour
(11am – Under-17s [Breakers vs Inverell]; 12.50pm – Reserves [Breakers vs Blues]; 2.20pm – Women; 3.50pm – Seniors)
CASINO LIONS vs SAWTELL/TOORMINA at Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino
(1.45pm – Seniors)