By David Nagel
Beaconsfield is still on the hunt for its first victory in Eastern Division One Women’s football after the Eagles put up a brave fight against ladder-leading Donvale on Saturday.
The Eagles were slow to start against the Magpies, conceding 3.2 to 0.0 in the opening term, but bounced back hard with one of their best quarters for the season.
For 20 minutes, the gap between the top and bottom teams in the competition looked minor, as the Eagles outscored the premiership favourites 2.0 to 1.1 in an impressive display of football.
Luca Pintaudi was the hero up forward for the Eagles, kicking both goals as the margin narrowed to 15 points at the major interval.
The Magpies regained their composure in the third, kicking 3.1 to 0.1 in the third term to put any chance of an upset to bed.
Grace Hartman and Monica Latino were the mainstays up forward for Donvale, booting two each in an 8.7(55) to 2.1(13) scoreline.
Pintaudi had the biggest influence for the Eagles; while regular contributors such as Sammy Wilko, Maddi Blackburn and Cassie Martin fought the game solidly out for four quarters.
The Eagles face another tough test this week, hosting second-placed North Ringwood at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.
The opening bounce takes place at 10.40am.
The Eagles then head to fifth-placed Knox, with potential for a winnable game in round 10.
Results R8: Donvale 8.7(55) def Beaconsfield 2.1(13), North Ringwood 8.4(52) def East Ringwood 4.4(28), Park Orchards 7.4(46) def Knox 3.1(19).
Ladder: Donvale 26, North Ringwood 24, Park Orchards 20, East Ringwood 18, Knox 8, Beaconsfield 0.
Fixture R9: Beaconsfield (6) v North Ringwood (2), East Ringwood (4) v Park Orchards (3), Knox (5) v Donvale (1).
