By David Nagel
An early-morning start held no fears for Pakenham on Saturday as the Lions powered their way to an 8.9(57) to 0.1(1) victory over Belgrave in the Outer East Women’s Premier Division clash at Toomuc Reserve.
For the second week running, the Lions applied relentless pressure to keep their opponents goalless; with an even contribution the highlight feature of the match.
The Lions midfield was right on top in the first quarter, with ruck Sarah Ventura feeding Courtney Stephens, Chloe Nagel and Bianca Moody with silver service out of the middle.
Wingers Kate Green and Sarah Connelly racked up the handball receive numbers, while speedster Tianah Vandesteeg was proving a handful for the Magpies up forward.
Vandesteeg and Moody kicked two each in the opening 17 minutes of play to open up a 27-point lead at quarter time.
The Lions were again impressive in the second term with Abbey McKenzie, Emily Devine, Annalise Ryan, Courtney Karayannis, Bec Domotor and Kayla Wilson holding up well in defence, while Emily Johnston, Tanya Stafford, Brianna Menere, Beth Quadara, Rielle Menere and Aiesha Kolaritsch were providing ample targets up forward.
Stephens opened up the scoring for the Lions in the second quarter, before Kolaritsch bagged another to make it a 44-point gap at the major interval.
Belgrave showed impressive fighting qualities in the second half, keeping the Lions to just three scoring shots after the break.
Vandesteeg kicked the only goal of the third term, making it three for her for the day, while Kolaritsch kicked another to put the final stamp on victory.
Stephens, Nagel, Moody and Green were outstanding for the Lions for four quarters, while Devine, McKenzie and Ryan were impenetrable down back.
Defender Charlotte Crabtree was fantastic for the Magpies, along with Amber Drummond, Matilda Argoon and Yvonne Pleydell.
Pakenham heads to Olinda Ferny Creek on Saturday for a rematch of last year’s grand final, while Belgrave hosts top-of-the-table Healesville.
In other games this week, Alex Bantock kicked three and Jess Occhipinti two as Upwey-Tecoma continued its impressive form with a hard-fought 5.3(33) to 3.3(21) victory over Olinda Ferny Creek.
And Healesville remains undefeated after a commanding 7.12(54) to 0.2(2) win over Berwick Springs.
Crafty left-footer Danielle Carrucan kicked two goals for the Bloods, who impressively had six goal-scorers.
Michaela Adair, Emily Horvat and lively-midfielder Tameka Youn never gave up for the Titans.
In Division Two highlights, Madi Ward kicked five for Warburton-Wesburn against Thornton-Eildon while Laura Gillard and Jade McCormick snagged three each as Monbulk continued its unbeaten start to the season against Officer.
Ella Jackson, Logan O’Connell-Webb and Breana and Kate Granger were best for the Kangaroos.
