LIONS UPSET CENTRALS

01 May LIONS UPSET CENTRALS

The vibrant young Belmont Lions have stormed back into finals calculations, after pulling off the biggest upset of the year with a win over Werribee Centrals. In a tight defensive tussle, the Lions never allowed themselves to be intimidated by the perennial finalists, despite a disappointing second term that left them six goals in arrears at half time. A brilliant third term turned around the Lions fortunes, as they consistently punched to ball into the scoring circle where Angelique Ross finished off the good work. The lift in intensity saw the Werribee team making unforced errors, allowing Belmont to take the turnovers deep into attack. Ross was a constant headache for the Centrals defenders and her classy performance saw the Lions draw level at the final break. Jenni Rothery was a live wire in attack for the Centrals and Natasha Dimkovski provided plenty of drive through the mid court, but the Lions were unrelenting during a nerve wracking final quarter and held on for a one goal win, 39-38.

Inverleigh went into their clash with Winchelsea undefeated and full of confidence, but were given a comprehensive reminder of what is required at the top end of the competition. The Hawks were in the hunt at halftime, after a strong second quarter saw them outscore the Blues and sit only three goals behind. Casey Carroll demanded more form her girls and the Blues responded with a stunning second half, out scoring the Hawks 32-8 to cruise to a 52-25 win. Gemma Stavenuiter won the best player honours with a powerful display as the goal keeper and Melody Philpott netted a game high 41 goals. Riley Baker and Hayley Wilson were again the driving force behind the Hawks early, but they with take valuable lessons from the dominant Winchelsea performance.

Thomson backed up their season opening win with a second against a plucky Geelong West. Courtney Leith and Calsey Wolak provided the drive through the mid court for the Tigers and superb passing to the height advantage of Cheyenne Philpott made life tough for the Giants defenders. Taylah Beard was outstanding under the scoring ring for the Giants and their new coach Rorri Phibbs was active in the middle. Despite the 61-35 loss, there was plenty of upside for West.

Bannockburn pushed the ladder leaders East Geelong in a tense low scoring affair. The Tigers went into the long break two goals up, after defenders Rosie Shannahan and Ellie Kennedy kept star shooter Shannon Pietsch under tight rein. The Eagles were able to create more chances in the second half with Claudia Cook taking control of the mid court and Steph Boyce cutting of scoring supply and they eased away to a 32-23 win in their toughest outing for the season. They face Winchelsea next week in a much anticipated battle for top spot.

Corio turned on an impressive display to easily account for Anakie 71-38 with their co-coach Molly Gribble lighting up the mid court. Kailah-Mae Keepen was able to take advantage of the supply and drop in 36 goals to also feature for the Devils.
Ainslie Ben and Olivia Wilson were impressive for the Roos against the wave of attack.

North Geelong received a boost in confidence as they returned to their best form in a 75-39 win over Bell Post Hill. Tyler Lewis shoot with authority to score 56 goals for the Magpies and Taylah Marr restricted the Panthers scoring opportunities in another strong defensive effort.