-By Nathan Dole
ROUND five in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s football competition on Sunday features a showdown between Sandhurst and Bendigo Thunder at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The Dragons and Thunder will strive to claim the premiership points from 3.30pm.
After being scoreless in the Anzac Day match played at Golden Square’s Wade Street ground, Sandhurst will be fired up for this contest.
Key players in a Sandhurst team coached by Andrew Saladino and Liam Ireland include Lara Bish, Ruby Campbell, Arkie Donnelly, Chloe Naughton, Chelsea Reeves and Charlotte Scanlon.
It’s been a tough run for the Mick McInnes-coached Thunder which has a lot of new players.
Best in Thunder’s latest hit-out against the formidable Castlemaine team were Stacey Barbagallo, Katherine Christie, Amity Bradford and Kate Wright.
Crucial roles will be played by Thunder captains Katherine Christie and Estella Murphy as rover and full-back, vice-captain Alannah Leach as ruck-rover, and Awhina Poki in the centre.
Refreshed by the bye, Marong and Eaglehawk will clash in the Hawks’ nest at Canterbury Park from 1pm.
The Jimmy Evenden and Daniel Bourke-coached Marong past the century mark against Thunder in round two and have had consecutive byes.
Players to watch for the Panthers include Dani Jeffery, Kayla Grant, Lauren Knight and Jaime Sawers.
A two-one record has earnt the Molly Metcalf-coached Eaglehawk third place in the premiership race.
Best in Eaglehawk’s win against North Bendigo on Good Friday were Lexie Moss, Samantha Johnston, Emily Field and Molly Metcalf.
The Winslow Constructors White Hills Demons face a huge challenge against Golden Square in Sunday’s match at Scott Street in White Hills from 1pm.
The Phil Murley-coached Demons are on the rebound from a 16-point loss to North Bendigo.
Best for White Hills on North Bendigo’s turf at Bendigo Club Oval were Tracey Anderson, Amelie Haigh, Nadia Peebles and Gabby Speirs.
The Demons’ squad for this match includes Daisy Gee, Hannah Ripper, Oakley Turner and Ella Watkins.
Golden Square dominated the Anzac Day match against Sandhurst to score a 46-nil victory.
In-form players for the blue and gold include Ayesha Gideon, Caitie Williamson, Gabby Drage and Claire Picone.
Castlemaine and North Bendigo have the bye.
Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy ladder:
Castlemaine 3287 per cent, 16 points; Golden Square 614, 12; Eaglehawk 262, 8; Marong 271, 4; Sandhurst 32, 4; North Bendigo 16, 4; White Hills 35, 0; Bendigo Thunder 0.1, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
15 Eloise Gretgrix, Castlemaine.
8 Sarah Mannes, Golden Square.
8 Liz Watkins, Golden Square.
7 Tiahna Cochrane, Castlemaine.
7 Jemma Finning, Castlemaine.
7 Kodi Jacques, Golden Square.
6 Brianna Burt, Castlemaine.
6 Ella Cochrane, Castlemaine.
6 Samantha Johnston, Eaglehawk.
5 Emma Crossland, Golden Square.
5 Eillish Cumming, Castlemaine.
Meanwhile, round two in the CVFL under-18 girls competition will be played on Sunday.
It’s the rematch of the ’24 grand final as White Hills plays Golden Square from 11.15am at the Scott Street ground in White Hills.
Last September it was the Demons who scored a 28-14 victory against the Bulldogs to claim premiership glory.
Eaglehawk takes on Woorinen from 11.15am at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park on Sunday.
Sandhurst and Kangaroo Flat clash from 1.30pm at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Strathfieldsaye has the bye.
Champions IGA-backed CVFL under-18 girls footy ladder:
Golden Square 125 per cent, 4 points; White Hills 0, 4; Woorinen 0, 4; Sandhurst 79, 0; Eaglehawk 0, 0; Kangaroo Flat 0, 0; Strathfieldsaye 0, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
8 Tarlia Murphy, White Hills.
8 Sophie O’Connell, White Hills.
3 Sunny Barry, Woorinen.
3 Charli Conway, Woorinen.
3 Maci Gough, White Hills.
3 Carly Shepherd, Woorinen.
2 Jayda Alford, White Hills.
2 Ruby Butler, Woorinen.
2 Kassidy Cail, White Hills.
2 Mia Ferguson, Woorinen.
2 Evelyn Williams, Golden Square.
2 Reagan Wirken, White Hills.
2 Meg Young, Woorinen.