State Schoolgirls claim memorable win over VictoriaWednesday, August 21, 2013 - 9:37 AM

WESTERN Australia's State 16 Schoolgirls claimed the National Championship on the weekend after defeating Victoria by five points in the grand final 6.3 (39) to 5.4 (34).

The School Sport Australia Championships were held in Darwin from Friday August 9 to Saturday August 17.

WA's win was the first time that any state outside Victoria has won any of the female football championships since their inception.

The Championships consisted of State 16 girls, State 15 boys and State 12 boys.

The girls event included teams from WA, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT. WA's results from the round robin were as follows:

Round 1 WA 18.14 (122) defeated ACT 0.0 (0)

Round 2 WA 8.3 (51) defeated SA 5.6 (36)

Round 3 WA 3.3 (21) were defeated by Victoria 9.10 (64)

With both WA and SA having comfortable wins over the ACT, they met in the 1^st Semi-Final.

SA had a clear size advantage over the WA team, but the WA players utilised their speed and skills in what proved to be a great match.

WA focussed on attacking and SA played very defensively, putting extra players in their backline, despite scores being very close after the first quarter. Kicking against the wind, WA opened up a strong lead in the 2^nd quarter and continued to attack in the second half.

Final scores were WA 6.3 (39) defeated SA 4.6 (30) to earn a spot in the Grand Final.

The Grand Final turned out to be athrilling contest, with WA leading for most of the game before Victoria claimed the lead late in the last quarter.

Quick rebound footy resulted in a saving goal from WA’s Evie Marchetti in the last two mins of the game. A final attack by the Vic girls was smothered and then cleared by the WA defence to secure a 5-point win for WA.

The WA backline was superb repelling attack after attack with smart football decisions, while the mid field ran all day and the forward line kicked accurately, many times under immense pressure.

Pressure on the ball through superb tackling skills, resulting in many turnovers were one of the keys to WA’s win.

Support throughout the Championships from the 40+ parents who travelled to Darwin was superb, offering to run water and do statistics. Thanks to all involved for their excellent cheering.

Eight WA girls were named in the inaugural All Australian team for 2013; Demi Okely, Asha Price, Claire Ortlepp, Rachel Ortlepp, Ashley Sharp, Beatrice Devlyn, Evie Marchetti and Rachel Ashley. Ashley Sharp was also named in the top 3 for Fairest and Best votes.

All 3 WA female state sides made the Grand Finals in 2013 with the U18 Youth Girls and Open Women both finishing runners up. The State 16’s side were out to avenge previous losses to the Vics and became the first ever female side to defeat them.

Congratulations to all players and coaches involved on the outstanding result.

WA TEAM                                                                                                                                                               

Rachel Ashley – Thornlie SHS – SNESA Angels  

(VC) Hannah Bebbington- Greenwood College – Coastal Titans

(VC) Jennifer Brown – Lynwood SHS – Peel Thunderbirds

Kerrilee Brown – Rockingham SHS – Peel Thunderbirds 

Beatrice Devlyn – Emmanuel Catholic College – South Fremantle

Gennevieve Earl – Willetton Senior High School  

Jessica Fenton – Mandurah Catholic College – Peel Thunderbirds  

Eliza Gelmi – St Brigid’s College – Swan Districts

Ashleigh Gomes – Corpus Christi College

Jessica Kinsman – Santa Maria College – South West Sirens

Rebecca Lu – Corpus Christi College

 Evie Marchetti – Corpus Christi College

Erin O’Brien – Churchlands Senior High School

Demi Okely – John Tonkin College – Peel Thunderbirds

Claire Ortlepp – Carine Senior High School – Coastal Titans

  Rachel Ortlepp – Carine Senior High School – Coastal Titans

Asha Price – St Brigid’s College – Swan Districts

(Capt) Ashley Sharp – Lockridge Senior High School – Swan Districts

Jasmin Stewart – St Mary’s Anglican Girls School – Claremont Piranhas

Olivia Strandly – Lakeland Senior High School – South Fremantle

Aleisha Tinker – Pinjarra Senior High School – Peel Thunderbirds

Isabella Tufilli – All Saints College

Tina Waddell – Applecross Senior High School – South Fremantle                                

Maddison Websdale – Australind Senior High School

SUPPORT STAFF                                                                                                                                                               

Tour Leader – Geoff Hayes

Head Coach - Oliver Beath

Assistant Coach – Jonothan Grullis

Assistant Coach – Alison Moore

Narelle Scott – Team Manager

Tanika Munckton – Sports Trainer