Christine Polatajko kicks the Spurs forward. 83497_06 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By KATIE LAMBESKI
ST ALBANS Spurs proved a class above St Kilda Sharks in trying conditions, recording a 16.13 (109) to 2.5 (17) win in the VWFL Premier Division clash on Sunday afternoon at Kings Park Reserve.
The Spurs played to their strengths with a running game that they looked to impose on a struggling St Kilda during a traditional Melbourne wet weather game.
The win was built on the Spurs’ eight-goal first half, as they rotated numbers through midfield and defence as conditions deteriorated throughout the half. This allowed St Albans to keep players running and attacking through the corridor as St Kilda looked to crowd numbers around the contest to frustrate St Albans.
Muddy and wet conditions played a role in making the game a scrap at times as the Spurs frittered away chances at goal. But St Albans was able to handle conditions better and went into half-time in control of the contest, being well served by a running defence and functioning forward line.
Being urged to keep it simple with the ball and to run over St Kilda, the Spurs were held to three goals despite having the majority of possession. A spirited St Albans turned that around to run out the game strongly with a five-goal last quarter that took the wind out of St Kilda’s sails.
In an even team performance, Hayley Sanders, Danni Teasdale and Jasmine Garner were the standouts.
Earlier in the day, a hard contest on a cold, windswept and rainy Kings Park Reserve saw St Albans’ reserves side put in a strong second half to post a 46-point win over a last-placed St Kilda.
After being frustrated for a half by the conditions and a defensive St Kilda who had numbers behind the ball, the Spurs turned the game their way with a three-goal third quarter, leaving St Kilda with no answers back.
Neither side was able to take advantage of the wind, with goals only coming against the strong breeze.
A hesitant and sluggish St Albans weren’t able to dictate terms against an improving St Kilda side, struggling to adapt to the inclement conditions and their attack on the ball was found wanting. Despite their defence being under siege in the second quarter, St Kilda held St Albans to one goal.
The second half was a vast improvement on St Albans’ part, as the side was finally able to convert opportunities to have the game in their grasp by three-quarter time. They added another goal to their tally in the last, but were wasteful at times.
The Spurs were well served by newcomer Ngakita Ruwhiu and wily veterans Toni Teasdale, Sam Radlof and Alana Bell.
