Speedy Saints claim Women’s title

Sawtell/Toormina claimed its second AFL North Coast Women's premiership - its first since the inaugural women's season in 2018.

A DOMINANT first half that saw Sawtell/Toormina have eight scoring shots to zero paved the way for the Saints winning the Women’s premiership.

If it hadn’t been for inaccurate kicking in front of goal the margin at half time would’ve been far greater than 13 points.

Saints pioneer Bec Minichilli was the only goal kicker in the first half when she pounced on a loose ball in the goal square three and a half minutes into the second term and converted from close range to instigate an emotional response from the veteran.

The territory battle was being won by Sawtell/Toormina thanks to their ‘department of youth’ who had too much pace when the ball was space. Teenagers Amaia Wain, Indi Loos, Molly Bowd, Deja Barlow and Asha Lloyd thrived when the ball was moved into open territory as they could use their athleticism to first win the loose ball and then run and carry to provide the impetus for attacking forays.

Within two minutes of the resumption after the long break the Breakers were able to cut the deficit with a goal from Inneke Brown after she took a mark just outside the goal square.

The Breakers enjoyed the majority of play during the third term but were unable to reduce the margin to any less than six points. When Sawtell/Toormina’s Teia Scotford goaled just seconds before the three-quarter time siren, it put the Saints 12 points up and made the Coffs team’s task of fighting back even harder.

When Nellie O’Dwyer earned a holding the ball decision in the goal square two minutes into the final stanza and kicked a goal, it gave the Saints what appeared to be an insurmountable three goal advantage.

Try as the Breakers did, they were only able to score a goal through Maraiyde Dougan with 90 seconds left which didn’t allow them anywhere near enough time to reduce the 10 point margin any further.

MATCH DETAILS

SAWTELL/TOORMINA  0.4  1.7  2.7  3.7 (25)

COFFS BREAKERS   0.0  0.0  1.1  2.3 (15)

Goals – Saw: Bec Minichilli, Nellie O’Dwyer, Teia Scotford. Brk: Inneke Brown, Maraiyde Dougan.

Best on Ground Medal: Amaia Wain – Sawtell/Toormina