ROBINVALE Euston have climbed into third position on the ladder after a close encounter with Red Cliffs. The Eagles claimed a 60–59 victory in a tightly contested four-quarter battle at John James Oval.
From the first whistle, both sides came out firing despite a swirling breeze, with accurate shooting and relentless defence setting the tone.
Eagles’ Sarah Hepburn and Tigers’ Zara Copley were standout targets in the circle, converting with consistency and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. The home side edged ahead 16-15 at the first break.
The intensity remained high in the second term, with goal-for-goal play continuing. Red Cliffs’ goal attack Jazmin Parker added eight for the quarter, keeping the Tigers within touching distance as the Eagles maintained a narrow 31-30 lead at half-time.
Momentum swung in the third, with Red Cliffs stepping up their defensive pressure. Mid-courters Nina Ciszkowski and Jaqueline Bell disrupted Robinvale Euston’s flow, while Copley remained clinical under the post. Outscoring the Eagles 16-12, the Tigers held a 46-43 advantage at the final change.
However, the final quarter saw the Eagles rally. Down by three, they turned the tide with renewed urgency and sharp transitions. Goal defense Jorja Delcastenge took several key intercepts, proving pivotal in swinging momentum back Robinvale Euston’s way. Hepburn and Georgia Giofrelle combined for a composed finish in the circle, sealing a one-goal win for the home side.
Hepburn (32 goals) and Giofrelle (28) led the Eagles’ scoring, while Copley’s 36-goal haul kept Red Cliffs in the hunt until the final whistle. Best on court honors went to Delcastenge and Hepburn for the Eagles, while sisters Morna and Varanisese Naquto starred in defense for the Tigers in what was a physical, high-quality contest from start to finish.
Goal Shooters:
Robinvale Euston: Sarah Hepburn 32, Georgia Giofrelle 28
Red Cliffs: Zara Copley 36, Jazmin Parker 23
Best Players:
Robinvale Euston: Jorja Delcastenge and Sarah Hepburn
Red Cliffs: Morna Naquto and Varanisese Naquto
3 – Sarah Hepburn
2 – Zara Copley
1 – Jazmin Parker
