Chapman Valley had two hands on the steering wheel and refused to let go, controlling the contest to secure a 10.14 (74) to 0.0 (0) win against Railways on Saturday at Mazzuchelli Oval.
It was the perfect way to celebrate a club stalwart as co-captain Taylah Broadhurst became the first player in the Community Bank Geraldton GNFL women’s competition to play 100 games.
The Royals were quick off the mark, nabbing a goal through Lexi Chapman in the opening minutes, which set the tone for the encounter.
From there, the goals continued to flow for the Royals while Chloe Spence and Hayley Stovin clamped down on Railways in defence. Three more goals saw Valley take a 26-point lead into the first break.
Railways limited damage in the second term, but couldn’t find a way to break their way through Valley’s watertight defence. At half-time, the Blues were still yet to hit the scoreboard, while the Royals extended their score to 6.5 (41).
Chapman Valley kept pressing in the third quarter, despite Railways’ best efforts to thwart their relentless attacks, but ultimately the reigning premiers added a further three goals to their tally.
The final quarter could have been catastrophic, but wayward kicking saw the Royals add just one further goal to their tally, finalising the 10.14 (74) to 0.0 (0) result.
Tegan Brooks had a day out with three goals while Andie Payne was also dangerous through the middle, bagging two majors of her own.
In her 100th game, Broadhurst impressed in the middle, while Elissa Cates influenced the contest well. Up forward, Ruby Wallace took several strong contested marks and had several score involvements.
For Railways, Brooke Martin was best on ground and did her utmost to keep Railways in the contest, while Anna Moffat, Lexi Price and Frances Simmons all had plenty of the ball.
Glenys Butler held firm under fire in defence, while Ariane Burton backed up her strong performance from last weekend. Both Bronte Scaife and Phoebe Osborne also influenced the game.
In the other women’s games, Towns handed Rovers an 111-point thumping at WA Country Builders Stadium.
The Bulldogs couldn’t be chained with a costly five-goal term setting the tone for the 17.9 (111) to 0.0 (0) victory, with Jayde Friedauer, Emily McAuley and Tara Rangi all slotting three goals each.
Through the middle, McAuley, Olivia Bidwell — who had two goals — and Ava Gould created headaches for Rovers, while Kasey Maynard also had impact.
It was a disappointing result for Rovers, who were held scoreless, but Ella Ricetti and Nadine Ryan impressed on a difficult day, while Shanelle Farmer was strong under heavy fire in defence. Both Tannika Simpson and Bonni Sundo gave it their all.
Brigades are back on the winners’ list after sealing a 9.13 (67) to 1.0 (6) win over Northampton at GBSC Sports Park.
It was tight through the opening term, with just four points splitting the sides at the first break, but Brigades put the burners on to hold Northampton scoreless while adding another 57 points to their total.
Kayla Fehlauer was outstanding with two goals, as was Maddison Quayle, while Claire Garnaut and Grace Kneale gave the Hawks plenty of drive.
Zoe Garnaut also impressed alongside Gabbie Lynch.
For Northampton, Tayte Pappin was named best in the loss, while Shannon Smith had plenty of impact and Selina Kiddle led from the front up forward. Lauren Gordon and Cara Hasleby were also strong for the Rams.
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