Sunbury Kangaroos women have taken bragging rights in their first clash with Sunbury Lions.
The two sides met in the Essendon District Football League for the first time on Friday night, and while the Roos took the points the Lions were far from disgraced in difficult conditions.
Kangaroos coach Allan Walters said it was good to win the inaugural clash, with many years of local rivalry ahead for the two clubs.
“It’s the first time the two clubs have played at senior level in the women’s so there was a bit more in it,” Walters said.
“We probably had 200-300 people there to watch it, which made it a bigger event, and something we can grow I think.
“It was a good game considering the conditions.
“It was pretty windy and blustery conditions, and we were lucky enough to kick with the wind in the first quarter and make the most of that.
“It got worse as the game went on, so that made it hard for both sides to score and play the way they would like, but I was pleased with how our girls stuck to the task.”
The Kangaroos made full use of the wind in the opening quarter as they kicked 4.3 while also keeping the Lions to a solitary behind for the term.
When the Lions’ chance with the wind came they were able to spend large portions of the quarter in their attacking zone, but some poor conversion cost them dearly as they kicked
1.6 for the term. However, they kept the home side scoreless to keep the chance of a comeback win alive.
Conditions worsened in the second half, making long kicking almost impossible as any kick put high in the air would often blow back behind the kicker.
Just one goal was scored between the two sides after half time and with the Kangaroos holding sway around the ground they were able to claim the win, 5.8 (38) to 1.10 (16).
Tylah Bell was a strong force around the ball for the Kangaroos in a best-on-ground performance, while Alexandra Quigley was a powerful presence up forward with three goals.
Jacinta Taylor and Connie Georgiou both had solid games for the Lions.
Walters also said the opportunity to play under the lights was one his side relished and would like to see more of it in future.
“I think it’s a fantastic concept, but maybe a few more of them earlier in the year when it’s a bit warmer and the conditions are kinder,” he said.
“We’d also like to see a few more times where the girls play on a Saturday night after the boys. We’ve done that before and it’s been good so we’d like to see a bit more of that.”
The Kangaroos will take on Keilor Park this weekend, while the Lions will travel to play Hillside.
Ewen McRae
