NORTH Shore Bombers have withstood their greatest test thus far in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division this season, defeating reigning grand finalists UTS Bats by eight points on the weekend. The Bombers, who had beaten the bottom three teams in the Demons, Dragons and Bulldogs, had to come from behind against title contender UTS to post a 7.6 (48) to 6.4 (40) victory.

In all four matches so far, the Bombers had been struggling or even behind at times, with their unconvincing style looking like the past results could have gone either way. However quick bursts of multiple goals saw them home, and that proved yet again to be the case in Round 5.

Trailing by 10 points at the last change, the Bombers found a way to win, kicking three goals to nil in the last term to run out the stronger side and record a nail-biting eight-point victory. Though they have far from crushed teams, the Bombers sit atop the ladder and are well positioned for a big finals run. With the VFLW and representative players set to return for their key opposition, it will provide a great challenge for them.

Adrienne Keeffe was the main goalkicker booting three majors for the Bombers, while Kate Minchin came up clutch with two important goals and was named among the best. Emily Cleghorn kicked a major and stood out, while Shannon Smit and Charlotte Tidemann were standouts in the win. For the Bats, Chaye Hartwell and Jessica Quade both kicked two majors, while Beth Martini and Tilley Edwards Hill caught the coach’s eye.

NORTH SHORE 2.3 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 7.6 (48)
UTS BATS 1.0 | 3.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 (40)

GOALS:
North Shore: A. Keeffe 3, K. Minchin 2, E. Cleghorn, G. Maher
UTS Bats: C. Hartwell 2, J. Quade 2, E. Blades, T. Edwards Hill

BEST:
North Shore: S. Smith. C. Tidemann, K. Minchin. E. Cleghorn. S. de Montemas
UTS: B. Martini, T. Edwards Hill, C. Owen. G. Stanwix, G. Knight

AROUND THE GROUNDS

East Coast Eagles 9.7 (61) defeated Pennant Hills Demons 4.1 (25)

The other big story around the league was the return of some players from representative duties, and of Rylee McGartland for the Eagles who booted five goals in her return game. The Eagles went on to win by six goals over the Demons, with Caitlin Reid and Jess Whelan both standouts. Natalie Pajor was key for the Demons, kicking three majors

Sydney University 6.2 (38) defeated Parramatta Goannas 4.6 (30)

Sydney University rose up to second on the table and sentenced the Goannas to a second straight loss and down to fifth with an eight-point win at home. The Students – led by Saskia Johnson – trailed at half-time but kicked four goals to one in the second half to run over the top of their opponents. Emma Walsh kicked three goals, while Parramatta’s Brianna Wade kicked two.

Manly Warringah Wolves 9.4 (58) defeated UNSW-ES Bulldogs 3.13 (31)

Manly Warringah Wolves repeated their form from the previous week and won in convincing fashion against UNSW-ES Bulldogs. The Dogs’ main weakness continues to be finding the avenues to effective scores, kicking just three goals from 16 scoring shots. The Wolves had three less scoring shots but won by 27 points as Hannah Woolf and Zara Hamilton impressed. Emily Conlan kicked two of her side’s three goals in the loss.