By Tara Murray
Sunbury Kangaroos lost a heartbreaking qualifying final against Burnside Heights in the Essendon District Football League Women’s competition.
Many league experts tipped it to be the game of the round and it didn’t disappoint, with the match going down to the final whistle.
The Kangaroos looked the better team early on but they weren’t able to hold on as the Bears experience and fitness showed through.
The Bears kicked the only two goals of the last quarter to win 6.7 (43)-5.9 (39).
While disappointed with the result, Kangaroos coach Allan Walters was pleased with how the side fought the game out.
“We’re not using injuries as an excuse … every club has them at this time of year and we had a few underdone. Under normal circumstances they probably wouldn’t have played.
“That’s why you finish in the top four and you get that second chance. We just need to focus on whoever we have to play next week and hopefully make it through to the preliminary final.”
The Kangaroos made the Bears work for
the win.
Having played their worst game of the season against the Bears early in the year, there was a determination about the Kangaroos and they jumped out to an early lead.
But the Bears kept coming and wore them down.
Once in front, the Bears made sure they locked the ball up and made it difficult for the Kangaroos to go forward.
“Unfortunately we were in front for 90 per cent of the game and it was just that last seven or eight minutes,” Walters said.
“As I said to the girls, they have to start believing in themselves, that’s a big input in the game.”
Walters was full of praise for Bailee Said and Alannah Lawford, who both took on defensive roles that they don’t usually play.
He said skipper Tylah Bell was a standout yet again. Louise Martino kicked two goals for the Kangaroos.
The Kangaroos now face the Sunbury Lions in a knockout semi-final. The winner will then play Pascoe Vale.
Burnside Heights’ win sees them through to the preliminary final after a week off.
In the other qualifying final, Pascoe Vale remains undefeated, easily accounting for Aberfeldie 9.6 (60)-0.2 (2).
The Sunbury Kangaroos youth league girl’s side remains undefeated in the AFL Goldfields’ Riddell District Football League competition, defeating Melton Centrals 9.7 (61)-1.2 (8).
The Kangaroos under-15 side lost, 9.8 (62)-0.2 (2) to East Point.
