Sharks continue winning streak with emphatic display against UQ
Seniors
Southport has extended its winning run to four matches, producing a commanding performance to overpower the University of Queensland in Round 9 of the QAFLW season.
The Sharks were in control from the opening bounce, cruising to an 18.15 (123) to 0.0 (0) victory and further cementing their position in second place on the ladder.
Southport wasted little time asserting its authority on the contest. Defender Lily McDonald got the afternoon underway in style, launching a long-range effort through the big sticks to kickstart what would become the perfect day for the Sharks.
Five first-quarter goals helped Southport establish a 35-point lead at the first break, setting the tone for the afternoon.
The pressure only intensified in the second term as Southport continued to dominate territory and possession. Another six goals before half time saw the margin blow out to 72 points, with the visitors unable to find an answer to the Sharks’ relentless attack.
Following the main break, Southport maintained its intensity across all areas of the ground.
The midfield continued to provide strong supply, while the defensive unit remained resolute to ensure UQ was unable to register a score.
With the result well in hand, the Sharks finished strongly in the final quarter, adding another four goals to complete one of their most comprehensive performances of the season.
Sienna Burnham (19 disposals, six tackles) was outstanding throughout the contest, while Leigh Alder (13 disposals, five marks) played an important role in Southport’s control around the ground.
Tayla Christensen (12 disposals, four marks) continued her excellent form in attack booting five majors, with captain Rianna Schipp (16 disposals, one goal) again influential through the midfield.
Melita Watts (12 disposals, two goals) and Lilly-ann Ryder (18 disposals, five tackles, one goal) also featured prominently in a well-rounded team performance.
The Sharks will continue their season against Wilston Grange at Hickey Park this Saturday June 20, 4:45pm.
SOUTHPORT 5.5 11.6 14.9 18.15 (123)
UQ 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)
GOALS: Christensen 5, Miller 3, Baldwin 2, Watts 2, Featherstone, McDonald, Meagher, Mitchell, Ryder, Schipp
BEST PLAYERS: Burnham, Alder, Christensen, Schipp, Watts, Ryder
Reserves
Southport has continued its remarkable QAFLW Reserves campaign, producing another dominant display to defeat the University of Queensland and maintain its undefeated record.
The Sharks stormed to an 18.12 (120) to 0.0 (0) victory, setting the match up with a blistering opening quarter before controlling proceedings for the remainder of the afternoon.
Southport came out firing from the first bounce, applying relentless pressure and moving the ball with precision. The Sharks piled on seven unanswered goals in the opening term, opening up a 42-point lead and effectively laying the foundation for another comprehensive result.
The momentum carried into the second quarter, with Southport continuing to create opportunities across the ground. Four more goals before half time stretched the margin beyond 70 points, as the visitors struggled to contain the Sharks’ attacking depth.
After the main break, Southport showed no signs of easing off. The midfield group continued to win first possession and drive the ball forward, while the defensive unit ensured UQ was unable to generate any meaningful scoring opportunities.
The Sharks capped off the performance with another four-goal final term, completing a four-quarter effort that highlighted both their attacking firepower and defensive discipline.
Olivia Robinson was outstanding throughout the contest, while Georgia Hunt (three goals) and Neive Ryan (four goals) played influential roles in the midfield and up forward. Abbie Pluples and Kaylea Kobzan continue their good form, both contributing on the scoreboard. Georgia Kimpton also featured among the Sharks’ best contributors.
The Sharks will continue their season against Wilston Grange at Hickey Park this Saturday June 20, 6:45pm.
SOUTHPORT 7.0 11.7 14.9 18.12 (120)
UQ 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)
GOALS: Ryan 4, Hunt 3, Mackie 2, Pearce 2, Ashcroft, Gordon, Kobzan, Pluples, Robinson, Wallace, Whittaker
BEST PLAYERS: Robinson, Hunt, Ryan, Pluples, Kobzan, Kimpton
