IN A game which had sun, wind and rain, the Blues were unable to get back on the winners’ list as they were overrun by an in-form Seagulls outfit.

The Blues opened the scoring for the game, kicking the first major. However, the home team didn’t let that faze them as they dominated the play for the afternoon. 

QUARTER ONE:

The sun was out to start the game after rain throughout the morning had caused muddy conditions. Maddie Di Cosmo was off to a good start, showcasing her trademark toughness around the contest. 
Smooth ball movement from the middle gave Isabella Khoury a major three minutes in. Williamstown were playing a fast-paced game early on, using their disposals efficiently to get the ball in-to their attacking end. Back-and-forth play ended in a goal for the opposition, evening out the margin. Em Hurley took charge in the ruck giving Blues’ midfielders opportunities to move the ball forward. Ally Bild had four kicks mid-way through the quarter and Eliza Wood looked promising out of stoppages.

QUARTER TWO

By the beginning of the second term a cold breeze began to have an impact and the sun had all but disappeared. Octavia Di Donato pressure resulted in several fumbles from Williamstown’s forwards close to goal, as the rain began to have more of an impact on play.  The Seagulls would make the most of a free kick close to goal, kicking a major to put the Blues nine-points behind. Em Hurley and Ashlee​​ Thorneycroft delivered big tackles, both rewarded with holding the ball against their opponents. Bild marked well despite the wet conditions, taking intercept marks to stop the surging Seagulls.

QUARTER THREE:

The third term was dominated by Williamstown with Carlton struggling to make an impact on the scoreboard. Thorneycroft continued to build on the impressive 17 tackles she had laid in the first half, doing her best to put pressure on the opposition. With Williamstown’s midfielders controlling the corridor and clearance, Carlton were limited in their opportunities to claw back any ground.  Inside the opposing 50, the Seagulls moved the ball efficiently and accurately, resulting in consistent scoring shots. Two-consecutive goals from Williamstown, left Carlton needing to make up some ground. The Inside-50 count also favoured the home team as Williamstown dominated with 28 to 8.

QUARTER FOUR:

Desperately needing to score, the Blues fought hard to make an impact late. Bry Gurr showed her agility, evading incoming tackles while Georgia Tait continued to apply the pressure finishing with 14 tackles for the game. Maddy Hendrie stepped up in her ruck role with 22 hit-outs. Play was again mostly in Williamstown’s attacking half, where they managed two goals. Now at their biggest margin for the game, Di Cosmo kicked a goal to give the team their second for the day.

The Blues will look to get back on the winners' list this Saturday as part of the double-header action at IKON Park. All the action kicks off from 11am with the VFLW Blues taking on the Southern Saints, before Carlton Reserves take on Frankston from 2:50pm. 

MATCH SUMMARY:

WILLIAMSTOWN 1.2   2.3   4.6   7.8   (50)

CARLTON  1.0   1.0   1.0   2.0   (12)

GOALS: Isabelle Khoury, Maddie Di Cosmo

BEST: Ashlee Thorneycroft, Em Hurley, Ally Bild, Maddie Di Cosmo, Isabelle Khoury