By KATIE LAMBESKI
A VASTLY improved Melbourne University did all the hard work in the first half as they got over a resilient VU St Albans Spurs at the Parkville Campus Main Oval on Sunday, putting away the Spurs in a 10.11 (71) to 2.4 (16) win.
The opening quarter was a lot closer in general play than what the scoreboard indicated with both sides displaying aggressive attack on the ball.
While St Albans let scoring chances get away, the Mugars made the most of their chances in front of the big sticks to kick four goals.
A sloppy second quarter from the Spurs led to them falling further behind, to the point that the deficit was near impossible to overcome.
The rain came in the second half and it deteriorated into a battle of wills. Not much separated the sides as St Albans were out to prove they were much better than what they had shown in the first half.
Up against a youthful Mugars team who looks to take on all comers with their run and carry, it was a contest to behold.
A brace of goals from Spur Belinda Miggiani matched the two scored by the home side.
The hits came in harder and the goal tally dried in the final quarter with both sides putting a six-pointer on the board.
Having a comfortable eight-goal lead to lean on ensured a win for the Melbourne Uni tyros.
Debbie Lee, Danni Green and Kylie Nicolaci were the standouts for the Spurs, while Jess Egan, Gabriella Pound and Emma Kearney led the victorious Mugars.
Melbourne University will take on the Eastern Devils in the game of the round this Saturday, while St Albans have a bye week.
