Mullewa fall just short of historic upset as Brigades make it 11 straight

Mullewa almost pulled off an historic victory over an undermanned Northampton side in a two-point thriller on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints have never beaten the Rams in their fledging history but fresh off their first win of the season they would not have had a better opportunity, with the Rams nowhere near full strength.

They were in fact lucky to get on the park at all as they just managed to scrape together the minimum 16 players required giving Isabella Schultz her first-ever game, regular photographer Kate Box for her first game in 2023 and Sophie McQuie playing just her second match.

It was always going to be a big ask for the Rams but Box, playing her 19th game, gave them a perfect start with her first-ever goal.

Mullewa was held to just two behinds as the Rams tried to flood the contest.

The theme continued in the second quarter with the Saints closing the gap with two more behinds but the Rams were holding on grimly to maintain a slender lead.

Just when the Saints found their first major, Helaynah Nutter responded for the Rams. Mullewa struggled to convert their pressure into scores with 1.6 after three quarters.

There were no points scored in the final quarter as the Rams dug deep to win by two points while Mullewa missed a golden opportunity to claim a big scalp.

At GBSC Sports Park, Brigades made it 11 straight wins this season with a big 10.8 (68) to 2.2 (14) win over Railways.

It was one versus three on the ladder but the Hawks were without three key players, with Jessica Giudice-Nairn, Gemma Dix and Emilee Bevan representing the State country team.

Railways were without their captain and best player Jasmine Johansen who was also on representative duties.

Despite missing those key players, the Hawks have an embarrassment of depth this season as they found nine goal-scorers on Saturday.

They had three in the opening term but Jasmin Walsh kept the Blues in touch with her first goal of the season.

But the Hawks were always on top having far too much pace for the Blues, led again by Breanna Hamlett, Naveah Hill and Tessa Daly.

The Blues were caught in possession far too often as they had trouble getting the ball into their forwards.

Geneva Johansen did add a second goal after the Blues managed to force repeat entries but the Hawks were well on their way to an 11th straight win.

Claire Garnaut was the only multiple goal kicker as they are just one win away from a perfect season.

Chapman Valley moved back into the top four with a 16.16 (112) to 1.1 (7) win over the Rovers.

Lucinda Rouse led the way with a personal record nine goals with Lexi Chapman next best with four.

They play Towns next week in a blockbuster clash which will likely decide which team will be playing finals this year.