Saints get the win in return to home

29/03/2021

The Southern Saints got back on the winners list in dominant fashion with a 60-point win, as they returned home to Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval for the first time in 2021 to play Darebin in their Round 5 clash on the weekend. 
 

In soggy and wet conditions, it was the Saints who were the faster team to adapt in the first quarter as they showed some nice ball movement. 

The Saints applied all the forward pressure early on, with Tamara Luke dominating in the ruck, giving first use to midfielders Madi Capsalis and Deanna Jolliffe who were showing dash through the middle. 

They were eventually rewarded for their effort, as a quick kick inside 50 led to a Tenaya Sooalo mark and goal to give the Saints an 8-point lead at quarter time. 
 

The Saints looked to take control in the second quarter, and they started well, as Tara Bohanna hit the scoreboard with a strong mark and goal early on. 

The Saint forward line was looking dangerous every time the ball went forward with Tayla Kearns presenting well. 

But they failed to put on the scoreboard pressure, and it was Darebin who hit back against the tide. 

Capsalis was able to hit back with a fantastic solo effort that comprised of a slick pickup off the ground and finish from distance to give the Saints a handy 19-point lead going into halftime. 
 

Coming out of the main break, the Saints looked to put the foot down, with Hannah Stuart working tirelessly around the stoppages. 

Grace Hodder was industrious all day across half-forward, and she showed her class with a clever finish early in the third. 

Bohanna quickly followed up with her second, and the Saints began to dominate the play, as Val Moreau soon followed up with another goal to give them a comfortable 40-point lead at the final change. 
 

The Saints pressed the issue in the final term, and Kayla Ripari was able to get on the board with a clever kick off the ground. 

Gabi De Angelis was relentless with her pressure all day and was rewarded with a goal late, before Sooalo kicked her second of the day in what was an impressive display for herself and the Saints as they came out 60-point winners. 
 

Saints coach, Dale Robinson, spoke after the game about the impressive performance. 

“We got back to playing some good Saints footy today,” she said. 

“We were able to get some deep inside 50s, and the forward pressure was excellent.” 
 

The Saints now have a break for the Easter period before their Round 6 matchup with Williamstown on April 10. 
 

Robinson said the preparation wouldn’t change much despite the extended break. 

“We’ll go into a really good training session on Wednesday and have a good hitout.” 

“The girls will take a program home to make sure they’re working over the break, and then we’ll come back ready to go and take on Williamstown.” 
 

The Southern Saints now move to 7th on the ladder, with two wins and three losses, and will take on 8th place Williamstown in a crucial Round 6 clash on April 10. 

Final Score:

Southern Saints:              1.3          3.8          6.12       9.13                       (67)

Darebin:                             0.1          1.1          1.1          1.1                         (7)

Goals: Bohanna 2, Sooalo 2, Moreau, Capsalis, Hodder, Ripari, De Angelis

Best: Kearns, Luke, Jolliffe, Capsalis, Bohanna, De Angelis

Written by Will Michael - Sandringham Football Club Media