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Fighting finish for the Breakers

Sunday 10 September was the perfect Spring day for a football match.

By Portal Admin - 12th September 2017 - Back to News

The morning showers cleared as the athletes arrived at Casey Fields VFL oval for the South Eastern Women’s Football (SEWF) Development League Grand final: Bass Coast Breakers vs Tyabb Yabbies.

The Bass Coast Breakers had a fast and furious journey to the top of ladder over the year. A newly formed team, and the first women’s AFL team for our area, they played their first practice match against Bunyip in May and finished the season in August without defeat.

What began as a motley crew struggling to get numbers over the pre-season, turned into strong and formidable team acing each challenge that came their way.

At the league presentation dinner held last week, the Breakers Captain Sophie Bolding won SEWF Development League Best and Fairest with 26 votes. Breakers team leader, founder and coordinator Ella Angarane was awarded with SEWF Volunteer of the Year.

A final in any sport is always a different ball game; it’s a match where teams are forced to rely on their fitness, hunger and drive rather than the notches in their belt. In finals football anything can happen, and Sunday’s match was great example of this.

The first few minutes of the game involved the expected nervous scramble. The low scoring first quarter would set the pace for the rest of the match. Both teams showed great tenacity and determination from the first bounce. A composed goal by Breakers mid fielder Tayla Stahl-Smith set the Bass Coast girls in front, finishing the first quarter 1-2- 8 to Tyabb 0-4- 4.

Tyabb started the second quarter with a fire in their belly which was noticeable in their aggression and a lifted pace. They played a clean possessive quarter which resulted in three goals and a point, giving them a 14 point lead at half time.

The breakers found themselves in new territory. This was the first time all season that they found themselves trailing at half time. As with all challenges they had previously faced, the Breakers took the hurdle in their stride and learnt how to beat it.

The third quarter saw both teams rising to the fight. Tyabb lead with another goal from Katie Dean, her second for the game. A few minutes later Bass Coast’s Jade Macdermaid kicked a perfect goal from a free in front of the goal square – her relief was visible with her shoulders uncurling once the kick was straight. While it was clear she felt the pressure, she could not have known that this goal would spur a streak for the Breakers in the final quarter.

Going into the final quarter, Bass Coast played as a team who had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Their team work and possession was strong leading to two quick goals, one each from Chelsea Bolding and Tess Angarane.

Seven minutes into the fourth quarter the Breakers were trailing by one point.

Tyabb responded with an increased intensity and determination. They managed a strong and reliable defence for the next thirteen minutes, keeping the crowds on the edge of their seats. Both teams bought their A-game in this final quarter making for a sensational game to watch and be a part of.

As the final siren blew an elated Tyabb celebrated their win and final score of 4-5- 29 against Bass Coast 4-4- 28. It doesn’t get much closer than that.

Despite the final result, our local women’s AFL team finished their game, and season, on Sunday playing the best footy they’ve played all season. This is a sign of great things to come as women’s football grows nationally and locally.

Coach Steve Kenny emphasises how remarkable this season has been for the Bass Coast Breakers, the first women’s football team for Bass Coast.

"Watching the Breakers throw everything at Tyabb in the last quarter was just sensation," Steve Kenny said.

"The way in which the team conducted themselves after the game, and got around each other, is amazing and highlights our strong culture."

Breakers Captain Sophie Bolding echoes Steve’s sentiment.

"Playing for and leading the Bass Coast Breakers this year has been such a special experience," Sophie said.

"I feel truly grateful to call these women my team mates and friends. We all respect each other and are inspired by each other and I think that, as much as our commitment and training, is a part of our success."

If you are interested in being involved in the 2018 season, follow the Bass Coast Breakers on Facebook www.facebook.com/aflwbcoast



Left to Right: S. Vesty, C. Bolding (Captain), W.Cuthbertson, G.Tschiderer, J.Bolding



A ball up in Bass Coast’s attacking goal square in the final 10 minutes of the game.



Coach Steve Kenny gives a rousing half time speech to get the Breakers firing.



Eyes on the Ball, E. Vollard surrounded by Tyabb defenders in the final quarter.

For more information contact:

Nina Barry-Macaulay

communications officer

t (03) 5671 2163 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 698 089

e nina.b-m@hotmail.com

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com