WHITTLESEA had its chances but ultimately fell short in the first semi-final against Eltham 2 in exceptionally difficult conditions at La Trobe University on Sunday, ultimately ending its division 3 women’s season in straight sets.
The game was played in very heavy conditions, with constant rain and extreme northerly winds making it very tough.
However, Whittlesea did have first use of the breeze, giving the Eagles a chance to follow up from last week’s good finish.
Unfortunately, Eltham defended resolutely, not giving the Eagles a good look at goal, and ultimately conceded just one behind for the term to trail 0-1 at the first change.
The Eagles needed to defend hard as Eltham had the breeze, but it looked as though it would be a struggle early on as the Panthers kicked a quick goal and were pushing for a second.
But Whittlesea regrouped and did not concede another goal for the term and instead stayed in the running by trailing 1-9 at the main break.
Whittlesea again had the wind in the third, but the story was the same as the first quarter – Eltham’s key defenders controlling the airspace, making it very hard work for the Eagles to generate good looks at goal.
The Eagles kicked just one behind for the term and looked in trouble as both teams turned for home, with Eltham leading 9-2.
Despite kicking against the breeze, the Eagles had some really good looks in the final term and dominated the last few minutes as Eltham sat back trying to hold on.
Emma Hancy had an opportunity to tie the scores late on with a set shot, but her effort sailed wide left for a behind, while a dramatic finish saw the ball in Whittlesea’s goal square, before Eltham defended resolutely to rush the ball through, leaving the Eagles desperately short of a preliminary final appearance.
Eltham ultimately won 1.3 (9) to 0.5 (5) in extremely torrid conditions.
Whittlesea did not name its best players at the time of production.