By Katie Lambeski
THE Victorian University St Albans Spurs seniors romped to 107-point win against Diamond Creek at Kings Park Reserve on Sunday, to finish the home-and-away season on top with a perfect record.
St Albans prepared for the upcoming finals campaign with a 22.16 (148) to 6.5 (41) thumping of premiership contenders Diamond Creek.
In what was always going to be a test of strength before the finals, St Albans proved too strong for the Creekers.
The Spurs began strongly in the first quarter, booting an unanswered 5.7 to take a real stronghold. That stronghold continued in a punishing second quarter from the Spurs, in which they scored 7.5 to the Creekers’ 0.1.
The Spurs had a 12.12 (84) to 0.1 (1) lead to the long break.
While the Creekers won the third quarter by 2 points (both sides scored five goals for the quarter), it was to no avail. The fourth quarter became a procession, with the Spurs finishing strongly to win by 107 points.
Amy Catterall led the Spurs with seven goals, while Ash Guest and Karen Paxman also starred.
In good news for Diamond Creek, Steph Chiocci returned to the field after her arm injury.
Earlier in the day, the Spurs reserves completed a 43-point win over Diamond Creek in the final home-and-away match before finals.
St Albans were determined to return to the winner’s list after two straight losses at the hands of Darebin and Berwick. They did so in solid fashion, 8.16 (64) to 3.3 (21).
St Albans had the majority of play in their 50 in the first quarter, but couldn’t take opportunities, scoring 2.7 (19) to 0. They followed that up in the second quarter to lead by 25 points at half-time 5.9 (39) to 2.2 (14).
The Spurs continued their dominance over the Creekers, but couldn’t take clear advantage of their opportunities. Christina Polatajko and Moana Hope were influential all day for St Albans.
The senior side will take on Darebin in the secon semi-final on Saturday, with the winner to advance to the grand final.
The reserves will also take on Darebin in the second semi, to be played at noon on Saturday.
