Sport
1 July, 2025
Dunolly grab first win of the season 47-25 over Maldon
After gruelling back-to-back draws, Dunolly went one step further on Saturday, defeating Maldon 47-25 thanks to a strong second quarter.
With both teams determined to earn their first victory of the season, the opening term was heavily influenced by their defensive efforts, forcing numerous turnovers.
While the Eagles Ruby Lang and Ashlee Lierich created intercepts that stopped the Bombers from reaching the goal circle, Claire Hamilton was a brick wall for the visitors in the first quarter, intercepting virtually every lobbed pass thrown into the defensive goal circle.
Nothing could separate the two sides after a low-scoring first quarter, deadlocked at seven apiece.
Dunolly’s Zoe Aldridge was the quarter’s top-scorer with six goals from seven attempts.
Keen to generate some offence in the second quarter, Dunolly’s player-coach Lillie Wrigley entered the game at goal shooter after being unavailable in the Eagles draw against Harcourt last week.
The introduction of Wrigley, coupled with Dunolly’s faster ball movement in the midcourt was the catalyst for the Eagles to take control of the contest, storming out to a 10-goal lead by half time.
Wrigley made an instant impact for the Eagles with 11 goals in the second term, while Aldridge complemented Wrigley by adding four.
After falling behind at the end of the first half, Maldon regained their footing to start the second half, particularly in the midcourt thanks to Alice McManus and Gabrielle Kelly.
However, eight third-quarter goals from Wrigley ensured the hosts increased their lead to 13 goals at the final break. Aldridge also added a goal in the period.
Desperate to prevent a late fightback from the Bombers, the Eagles put their foot on the gas in the final quarter, outscoring Maldon 14-5 in the last term to finish as 22-goal victors.
The victory was extra sweet for Dunolly as youngster Mia Schodde made her A grade debut in her 100th game for the club.
Wrigley was key in Dunolly’s victory, finishing with a leading 27 goals after scoring eight in the final quarter. Aldridge also impressed, especially as the top option in the first quarter, netting 14.