Cranston stars in nailbiter
FOR the second consecutive week Geelong has managed to claim a VFLW victory in the dying stages of the match after Richelle “Rocky” Cranston bagged a goal with just minutes left on the clock.
The Cats had fought bravely against Melbourne Uni, who had been superbly led by Emma Kearney, but couldn’t find a breakthrough until late in the fourth quarter when key forward Kate Darby kicked her second goal of the day to give her team a chance.
Cranston then worked her magic to put Geelong in front by a point and from that moment on the Cats were never going to give up their lead, winning 4.4 (28) to 4.3 (27).
Coach Paul Hood said he was delighted for his side and thrilled by they were able to execute what they had worked so hard at perfecting during the week at training.
“It was an exciting finish and we almost doubled our score in the last six minutes,” Hood said.
“It happened really quickly but we defended really well in the last couple of minutes to hold onto that one-point advantage.
“It is something we practice quite a bit during the practice match series and before our first couple of games, and obviously in women’s footy a lot of the games are pretty tight so it is something that we focus on. But there is not a lot you can do from the coach’s box in the last few minutes, it is up to the players to get it right and think clearly, and credit to our team.”
Geelong now has a week off with the bye before taking on Lily Mithen and the Darebin Falcons on June 16 at GMHBA Stadium.