Island girls lose a close one at home

Playing at home for the first time this season, the island Youth Girls were determined to put on a good show.

Missing several players from the previous game, including their Captain, Jade Ricardo, the girls were not deterred. Mikki Leary stepped up into the role of Captain for the day and lead the team well with her usual determination and positive energy.

The island got off to a blistering start with a couple of goals early to set the scene. But to the Warranor girls' credit they began to win the ball back and clog up the play, making it hard for the island girls to find space to run.

Giselle Smith was back to her usual self, bursting from the pack numerous times and laying an inspiring tackle on the last line of defence, while Lily O'Loughlin had a case of leather poisoning, constantly getting her hands on the ball.

As the game progressed it became a real tussle to break free. Lily "Elbow" Bow was amazing all over the ground, driving the ball from defence and then attacking off her amazing boot, while new player to the team Jayla Loughridge was providing options on the wing.

In a scrappy last quarter Kyra Carton and Brinkley Nicolaci went close on several occasions to bridging the gap and Tess Ricardo, Sadie Davies and Ruby King were solid in defence repelling numerous attacks. Unfortunately, the girls were unable to get the score on the board.

Best: Lily "Elbow" Bow (Anzac medal), Lily O'Loughlin, Giselle Smith, Tess Ricardo, Kyra Carton and Jayla Loughridge.

Goals: Kyra Carton - 2 and Lily "Elbow" Bow.

Scores: Warranor: 4.6.30 def Phillip Island: 3.4.22.