Calder Cannons vs Oakleigh Chargers – Round 4
Written by Jarryd Barca
The Calder Cannons Under 18 girls lost their first match of the season in their Round 4 clash against the Oakleigh Chargers at Highgate Recreation Reserve.
Another slow start by Calder saw them chasing the Oakleigh tails for the majority of the contest after conceding the opening four goals of the game.
There was no doubting the girls’ effort after successfully outscoring the away team in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as the Chargers held on for a tough 7.2 (44) to 5.4 (34) result.
Tahlia Gillard was solid up forward booting two majors for the Cannons, while Emelia Yassir, Alana Barba, Kasey Lennox, Mali McLeod and Terira Fry were also named in the best players.
Gloria Elarmaly can also hold her head high after laying seven tackles in the contest – the equal-most in the game with Chargers’ Nicola Xenos. The 18-year-old half-forward is fifth in the NAB League for total tackles this season.
The Cannons were held scoreless in the first term and it was the third time this season they have trailed their opponents at quarter time.
Two more goals to the Chargers in the second quarter before the home side’s first major meant the Cannons had to fight hard to wrestle back the momentum, trailing at the main break by 18 points.
The side re-grouped and came out to play in the third quarter with the Chargers unable to re-stamp their first-half authority.
The Cannons’ two goals were cancelled by a double from Oakleigh, setting up an exciting fourth term.
A grandstand finish was on the cards in the final stanza with the Cannons firing off four scoring shots to one.
But the two goals two behinds outcome wasn’t enough as the Chargers hung on for dear life in a hard-fought 10-point contest.
The result sees the Cannons girls drop to third on the ladder, who’ll look to bounce back this Saturday when they host the Murray Bushrangers at Highgate Recreation Reserve.
Goal kickers: T. Gillard 2, A. Magri, F. Theodore, G. Elarmaly
Best players: E. Yassir, A. Barba, K. Lennox, M. McLeod, T. Gillard, T. Fry
Stats leaders: E. Yassir (14 disposals), G. Patrikios (three marks, four inside 50s), G. Elarmaly (seven tackles), M. McLeod (three rebound 50s)
J