EAST Coast Eagles booted five goals to nil in the first quarter of the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Round 2 clash, going on to win against UTS Bats by 25 points at Kanebridge Oval.

East Coast Eagles 8.5 (53) defeated UTS Bats 4.4 (28)

The Eagles put on a premiership first quarter for the ages which ultimately set up the 25-point win despite being beaten for the rest of the match. The young Bats can hold their heads high after outscoring the reigning premiers 4.3 to 3.4 after quarter time and matching it with teh top team.

Key Talking Points:

• Eagles’ five-goal first term sets up victory

• Renee Tomkins stars for East Coast

• Brianna Wade provides focal point for Bats

• Questions on Eagles’ depth still remain

Prior to the match questions were asked about how the Eagles would cover for the top level losses of personnel from last season. As it turns out, stalwart Renee Tomkins was the one to stand up, covering the ruck and midfield duties to steer her side to victory with a dominant first term.

The quarter was simply sensational for the home side, with the Bats trying to play proactively and move the ball, but the Eagles were forcing turnovers and hitting the scoreboard up the other end. However after quarter time it was a far more even match with the younger Bats side matching it with its opponent.

UTS’ footskills have improved over the off-season and the Bats’ marking has also improve, helped by Brianna Wade entering the fray and becoming a target inside 50. She kicked a terrific goal across her body from the boundary late in the game and slotted all four of her team’s goals.

The Eagles were never going to lose the match as it went on, but the Bats would have gained plenty of confidence coming out of the match after that disappointing first term. The likes of Bridget Corcoran and Charlotte Owen were named the Bats’ best, while Jessica Whelan and Taylah Canobie were impressive for the Eagles in victory.

The main question still remains for the eagles whether they can really focus on the their depth right across the park so the senior players do not have to do all of the heavy lifting. There were few tired legs towards the end of the match and the scoring really dried up. However ticking over the wins will be important for the experienced Eagles outfit.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

North Shore Bombers 11.6 (72) defeated Manly Warringah Wolves 6.4 (40)

Key Talking Points

• North Shore dominate first half to set up huge win

• Bombers won tactical battle

• Manly lacked efficiency going inside 50

North Shore Bombers put the competition on notice with a dominant 45-9 first half against title contenders Manly Warringah Wolves, before running out 32-point victors. The Bombers were far more efficient in their ball use going forward and by contrast, the Wolves were unable to get any meaningful inside 50s, particularly early with high bombs. Lucy Yates was named best on ground with several other young players including Sophie Kavanagh and debutant Amelia Rainbow. Adrienne Keeffe was unstoppable up forward with four goals, while Ava Barraclough was named best-on for the Wolves.

Sydney University 18.21 (129) defeated Pennant Hills Demons 0.1 (1)

Talking Points:

• The return of Amanda Farrugia proves fruitful

• Emma Juneja continues fine form

• Will be a long season for the young Demons

Sydney Uni’s first hitout for the year was a pleasing one for them and showed the Students will be competitive against all teams this year. Their young midfield is up and firing, and against an inexperienced Demons’ outfit were too good. Amanda Farrugia was a huge inclusion to work alongside the likes of Saskia Johnson and Emma Juneja, with the goals shared amongst a massive 12 players on the day.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs 11.15 (81) defeated Parramatta Goannas 0.0 (0)

Talking Points:

• Aimee Whelan dominates again

• Bulldogs go 2-0 to start the year

• Emily Conlan looming as vital target, booting five goals

It was another big win for the Bulldogs who have done what was required of them the past fortnight, defeating both St George and now Parramatta who will be among the bottom three sides in the competition. The work of Aimee Whelan was vital in breaking the game open, while key forward Emily Conlan was dominant inside 50 kicking five goals.