There were mixed fortunes against the Fields on Saturday morning

SENIORS

A brilliant beginning led to a sad ending for Gowans' Girls as they fell late to Caulfield Grammarians.

With the wind at their backs, the Red 'n' Blacks jumped to an impressive three goal lead, and a goal into the breeze saw them still ahead at half-time.

After the break, neither team scored into the breeze, but Xavs could add just one major at the scoring end. This proved fatal, as the Fields broke loose in the last to add three majors to steal the points.

Despite the defeat, it was arguably the best performance of the year, as third-placed Caulfield was heavily favoured to win. The tireless Audrey Rhodes was best, while Brodi Harris and Amy Benifer were dynamos up forward.

There is a bye this week, and then two important final games for the WOX. While finals hopes are now dashed, relegation is still a possibility. The situation is as follows:

The Ladder

5th KEW - 3 wins, 88.43% - v SMS, @ OLD TRINITY - favoured to win both

6th OLD XAVS - 3 wins, 42.01% - v WEST BRUNSWICK (5 wins, 4th), v MARCELLIN (10 wins, 1st) - can go with the Magpies, but Eagles tougher.

7th OLD TRINITY - 2 wins, 53.31% - v CAULFIELD (7 wins, 3rd), @ KEW - could lose both

8th ST MARY'S SALESIAN - 1 win, 38.32% - @ KEW, @ WEST BRUNSWICK.

The clash with West Brunswick after the bye is therefore critical.

‍

Goal Kickers: A. Benifer 2, B. Harris 2, E. Ko
Best Players: A. Rhodes, T. Mant, S. Anderson, H. Ryan, A. Benifer, G. Sgro-Ralph

‍

RESERVES

The WOX stopped Caulfield and maintained a strong chance of playing finals. Now two games clear of the fifth placed Fields, they face two tough contests, but look likely finalists after their great win on Saturday.

First bounce was at 8:00am. Xavs opened brightly with the breeze and kicked straight. Against the wind, they were scoreless, but held the Fields to a goal in the second term and another in the las to win by six points. Bella Villani, best afield, booted four and Hannah Barwick one in the win.

Goal Kickers: I. Villani 4, H. Barwick
Best Players: I. Villani, S. Eeles, A. Smith, A. Mauri, C. Dowding

‍