BY NATHAN DOLE
THE Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy competition marks a first this Sunday when Woorinen hosts Castlemaine in the fourth round.
A newcomer to the league, Woorinen has made a great start to be one-one.
The Tigers and Magpies meet from 1pm to complete the weekend’s action.
Sunday’s match in Tigers’ territory will be a huge test as Castlemaine has started its pursuit of back-to-back premierships in hot form.
In round three, Woorinen was up 21-20 at three quarter-time of the match on Golden Square’s ground at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.
The Bulldogs had scored 1.1 to a point in the last term when the match was called off early after a Woorinen player was concussed.
Although it did not claim the four premiership points there was plenty to like about Woorinen’s play.
A talented Tigers’ line-up includes Shelley Clarke, co-captains Tenay Fellows and Casy Unger, Emma Peacock, and Carlee and Katelyn Hazlett.
Castlemaine’s midfield and on-ball strength will test the Tigers.
A Magpies’ attack led by co-captain Eloise Gretgrix, Aisling Tupper, Jo Allan and Charlotte Beavan is in hot form.
Castlemaine scored 172 points in last Friday night’s home game against Strathfieldsaye at Camp Reserve.
Other key players for the Jordan Cochrane-coached Castlemaine include Eillish Cumming, Jemma Finning, Beppina Marshall and Emma Pedretti.
Round four kicks off Friday night when Bendigo Thunder faces Golden Square from 7.15pm at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.
Bendigo Thunder is back in action after the bye.
In round one the Thunder line-up which is coached by Terry Burt and includes co-captain Hannah Perry as assistant coach roared to a big win against Strathfieldsaye.
A week later and Thunder could not halt Woorinen’s run to a 54-16 victory.
Key players for Thunder include Nikeah Anderson, Louise Bibby, Tamara Kendall, Jessica Kennedy and Jaime Sawers.
Golden Square had to fight hard for the win against Woorinen.
Keely Hare earned the High Street X-ray Player of the Week award.
Also among the best for the Nathan Manuel-coached Bulldogs were Jorja Vandenberg, Marnie Gudge, Samantha West and Olivia Hogg.
Other key players for the blue and gold which has a 2-1 record include Rebecca Berry, vice-captain Rebecca Tile and captain Liz Watkins.
It’s a twilight match on Saturday when Strathfieldsaye plays North Bendigo at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane from 5.15pm.
Players from both teams will be doing all they can to mark their first win of the season.
Best for the Tim McCormick-coached Storm at Castlemaine were Dani Jeffery, Hannah Cue, Chelsea Reeves and Amelia Martin.
It’s been a tough run for the Jie Thomson-coached North Bendigo which has played Castlemaine, had a bye and then took on Eaglehawk.
Best for the Bulldogs in the 2-106 loss to Eaglehawk were Ashlyne McInnes, Kira Gibbons, Maddie Jelbart, Maddison Hargreaves-Hale and captain Aisha Mansfield.
The red, white and blue will also look to Jaydene Burzacott and Tanika Thomson to lead the way to breaking the winless streak.
Eaglehawk has the bye.
Standings in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy league:
Castlemaine 2544 per cent, 12 points; Eaglehawk 324, 8; Golden Square 84, 8; Bendigo Thunder 259, 4; Woorinen 176, 4; Strathfieldsaye 1, 0; North Bendigo 0.5, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
16 Eloise Gretgrix, Castlemaine.
11 Aisling Tupper, Castlemaine.
7 Keely Fullerton, Eaglehawk.
7 Britney Mueck, Bendigo Thunder.
6 Jo Allan, Castlemaine.
6 Jasmine Burzacott, Eaglehawk.
6 Sienna Hobbs, Eaglehawk.
6 Paynton Jolliffe, Golden Square.
5 Charlotte Beavan, Castlemaine.