By David Nagel
Pakenham has made it four-consecutive wins in Outer East Women’s Division One football after overcoming strong winds and a brave challenge from Berwick Springs on Saturday.
Mick Morland Reserve resembled a wind-tunnel as the Lions kicked three second-quarter goals on their way to a 5.4(34) to 0.1(1) win over the Titans.
Defeated by the Lions by 97 points in round two, the Titans came out with something to prove and had the better of the early exchanges.
Jess George and Tameka Youn were proving tough opponents for the visitors, while Skye O’Keefe and Emily Horvat were also keeping the Lions at bay.
Pakenham did have the better of the last five minutes of the first quarter, and put that ascendency to good use in the second term.
Goals to Aiesha Kolaritsch and Tianah Vandesteeg gave the Lions a healthy lead, before first-gamer Bonnie Williams kicked a ripper on the run after some quick hands from Bianca Moody.
The Lions led by 21 points at half time; maintaining that margin at the final break.
First-year player Beth Quadara then kicked the first goal of her career, before Kolaritsch kicked another with a minute left on the clock to give the Lions a comfortable win.
Williams, Moody and Vandesteeg were sensational for the winners, while Sarah Ventura, Kate Green, Emily Devine, Sarah Connelly, Chloe Nagel and Courtney Stephens provided stability and strength around the ground.
The Lions head to the hills this Saturday, taking on Olinda Ferny Creek at 4.45pm.
In other games, Healesville has maintained its unbeaten start to the season, downing Olinda Ferny Creek by 21 points at Healesville.
Perry Byron kicked two for the winners, who had Amy Frazzetto and Paula Pavic in red-hot form around the ground, while regular goal-sneak Olivia Edwards kicked the only six-pointer for Olinda.
And a five-goal opening quarter propelled Upwey-Tecoma to a 42-point win over Belgrave.
The dangerous Jess Occhipinti kicked three for the Tigers, and Bec Thompson two, while Tahlia Sheehan and Corinna White were good contributors around the ground.
In Division Two, Officer kicked two last-quarter goals to turn a one-point lead into an eight-point win over Thornton-Eildon, while Monbulk maintained its undefeated start to the season with a 37-point victory over Seville.
The Hawks are yet to taste defeat after dropping from Division One last year.
Division One Ladder: Healesville 20, Pakenham, Upwey-Tecoma 16, Olinda Ferny Creek, Berwick Springs 4, Belgrave 0.
Fixture R6: Olinda Ferny Creek (4) v Pakenham (2), Upwey-Tecoma (3) v Healesville (1). Byes: Belgrave, Berwick Springs.
