Tara Murray
History was made on Friday night as Lancefield claimed its first victory in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.
Facing Romsey, which was also yet to taste a victory, the match was going to have a team winning for the first time.
The Tigers led by two points at quarter time and increased the margin to three points at the main break.
After half time, the Tigers came out more switched and were able to extend the margin to 10 points at the final break.
The Tigers were able to ice the game in the final quarter, winning 3.7 (25)-1.2 (8).
Coach Chris Clifton said there was plenty of celebrating down after the win.
“It was history making stuff,” he said. “After 14 weeks of pre-season and then coming in and playing the top two teams in the competition and getting smashed, this is a bit of reward for the hard work.”
Clifton said there was a bit of confidence in the group during the week, knowing the Redbacks were in the same situation as they were.
After having five juniors step up the week before against Mount Alexander, the Tigers got some players back into the side which helped against the Redbacks.
Once the match started it was a real mixed bag for the Tigers.
“The first quarter was OK with 60 per cent of the game being played in our forward half,” he said.
“The second quarter we had so many opportunities but gave away silly free kicks in our forward line.
“I said to the girls at half time that the defence and midfield had done all the work to get the ball into the forward line and you’re not giving yourselves the chance to score.
“We were a lot better in the second half.”
It was all single goal kickers for the Tigers. Chloe Hodgson and Meg Thompson were named the Tigers best.
For the Redbacks, Elise Putyra and Nicole Steward were named their best.
Clifton said the win would only give the group some more confidence.
“This season was about playing footy and having a place for people in the community to play,” he said.
“Wins are a bonus. The win will keep us happy for another three or four weeks at Tiger land.”
A second piece of history was made in the competition, in the match between Kyneton and Macedon.
In the rematch of last season’s grand final, the Cats managed to push Kyneton to a draw, 5.2 (32)-4.8 (32).
It’s the first time that Kyneton hasn’t come away with the win in this competition.
Charlotte Noonan kicked three goals for the Cats, with Shakira Parker and Stephanie Jones named their best.
For Kyneton, Teagan Ainslie was named its best.
The two sides both side on 18 points after five rounds.
Mount Alexander beat Melton in the other game.
