Palmerston surprise top-of-the-ladder Buffettes with stirring win in WPL

PALMERSTON grabbed a share of top position on the Women’s Premier League ladder with its 15-point defeat of the Buffettes on Saturday.

The Magpies held the Buffettes scoreless in a frantic last quarter at Asbuild Oval while booting three goals of their own on the way to a 7.6 (48) to 5.3 (33) win.

That means the Magpies joined the Buffettes on top of the ladder with nine wins, the Buffettes’ superior percentage meaning they sit in first place after 14 rounds.

Magpie coach Russell Davey said a few stern words to his players at the last change was the impetus the side needed to get over the line.

“I called the players in and told them in no uncertain terms to play their own game and keep their composure and every one of them responded,’’ he said.

Billie Byers running off half back, Natasha Medbury through the middle and Janet Baird at half back and later up forward were Palmerston’s best.

Waratah got back to winning ways with a comprehensive 10-goal win over PINT, Amy Chittick booting three goals for the reigning premier.

Tahs are third, having played 11 games, two less matches than the Buffettes and one less than Palmerston.

Their coach Colleen Gwynne said Chittick’s aggression at the ball and her second and third efforts when pursuing the ball were highlights, along with the performance of PINT’s Katie Streader in a losing side.

Gwynne played four under-18 players in her side with regulars like Lisa Roberts on the injury list and was pleased with her side’s endeavour.

“Sherona Bishop in defence and up forward and Molly Cooper in the ruck also worked hard for us and deserve mentions.’’

In other games, St Mary’s beat Wanderers by nine points despite the Eagles kicking three goals to one in the last quarter and a frustrated Southern Districts were again left stranded when Tracy Village forfeited its clash with the Crocodiles at Fred’s Pass.

“That’s one game in seven weeks for us as we prepare to play a pretty good Palmerston side at their ground next week, it’s very frustrating’’ Districts coach Tarmon Elliott said.