By David Nagel
Beaconsfield would appear to have one remaining chance of breaking a season-long drought in Eastern Division One Women’s football after the Eagles were overpowered by North Ringwood at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.
The Eagles challenged the Saints in the opening quarter, trailing by just 10 points at the first break, before a 4.2 to 0.0 second term showcased the difference in capabilities between the two sides.
The Saints were hungry, with no wriggle room in their chase for a coveted double chance, while the Eagles are relying on an overall team spirit to get them through the season.
Maddi Blackburn kicked the only goal for Beaconsfield, who eventually succumbed 12.12(84) to 1.7(7) to one of this year’s premiership favourites.
Eliza Wilson booted four goals for the Saints, while Jess Begg capped off a best-on-ground performance with three majors.
Abbey McGeachin, Natasha Bliss, Zoe Davies, Jessica Hartfield, Naomi Rice and Georgia Dunstan all toiled hard for the bottom-placed Eagles, who hit the road this week to take on Knox, who sit one place above them on the ladder.
The game at Knox Gardens Reserve kicks off at 10.40am on Saturday.
Results R9: Beaconsfield 1.1(7) def by North Ringwood (12.12(84), East Ringwood 5.8(38) def by Park Orchards 9.9(63), Knox 0.5(5) def by Donvale 9.9(63).
Ladder: Donvale 30, North Ringwood 28, Park Orchards 24, East Ringwood 18, Knox 8, Beaconsfield 0.
Fixture R10: East Ringwood (4) v Donvale (1), Knox (5) v Beaconsfield (6), Park Orchards (3) v North Ringwood (2).
