WILSTON Grange has continued its rebound season with great success, collecting its third victory of the QAFL Women’s season after holding on against a fast-finishing Maroochydore by seven points. The Round 6 match looked to be all on the Gorillas’ terms early, holding the Roos goalless for three quarters, but conceded the final two majors of the match to give the visitors a scare.

Despite boasting a boasting a poor percentage of 53.44, Wilston Grange leapfrogged Coorparoo – with a percentage of 123.20 – into the top four, having beaten the three bottom teams en route to its position. In the most recent match minus the Academy players who were running around the Coates Talent League, the Gorillas got the better of an inaccurate Maroochydore to come away with the 3.9 (27) to 2.8 (20) win.

The game looked very good for the Gorillas in the opening term as they piled on 2.3 to 0.3 to lead by two straight kicks heading into the first break. After that times were tough though as both teams slogged it out. Just one goal was kicked over the next two quarters – luckily for the visitors it was for them – and they lead by as much as 19 points heading into the last quarter.

To that point, Maroochydore had only managed the seven behinds and looked unlikely to trouble the Gorillas, but a couple of final quarter goals to Jesse McMillan and Grace Perry meant the Roos kept at it to the final siren. Unfortunately not making the most of early chances hurt, and they fell short by seven points, while the Gorillas – who kicked 1.6 themselves after quarter time – held on and moved into the finals spots after six rounds.

Despite Maroochydore winning the contested possession count by 34, the Gorillas proved too slick on the outside with a dominant plus-56 in uncontested possessions. They also laid 14 more tackles and had 17 more marks, controlling the ball when required.

Chloe Litherland picked up a team-high 25 disposals, took seven marks and had four inside 50s while laying five tackles. Teammates Keyshia Matenga, Naomi Celebre and Jayme Winter were also prolific on the day. Teenager Mia Geere continued her strong start to the season with 14 touches in the win.

For the Roos, Kiara Hillier had 31 disposals, two marks, two clearances, seven inside 50s and four tackles in the win. Kelsee Sills (29 disposals, five clearances) and Imagen David were again busy, while Sara-Jane O’Grady continued her strong start to the season.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Bond University got back on the winners list with a commanding 68-point victory over Yeronga South Brisbane. Only conceding one goal for the whole game, it was the six-goal first term that set the Bull Sharks up as they ran out 11.13 (79) to 1.5 (11) winners. Georgia Johnson was named best-on for the Bull Sharks, with Mikayla Pauga and Lily Tarlinton (two goals) also among the best. Camilla Burnett was Yeronga South Brisbane’s top player.

Aspley Hornets came from a slow start to overcome reigning premiers University of Queensland by 14 points. The Red Lionesses booted the only two goals of the first term to lead by 11 points, but the Hornets kicked five of the next six goals to run over the top of their opponents and win, 5.5 (35) to 3.3 (21). Anais Kirvan was named best for the Hornets, while Ella Smith and Courtney Daniec were strong. Ava Seton was once again the star for the Red Lionesses with Madi Crowley-Long also impressive.

Southport maintained its unbeaten streak with a strong 31-point win over finals hopefuls Coorparoo. The Sharks kept the Kings goalless in the first half while booting 4.6 to lead by 28 points at the main break. Keeping it much closer in the second half, the Kings restricted the Sharks to just one goal as they kicked one themselves, but still went down, 5.10 (40) to 1.3 (9). Georgia Breward, Steph O’Brien and Darcie Davies were the best for Southport, while Hannah McLaughlin and Lucy Schneider stood out for the Kings.