WITH two rounds to go in the Central West AFL senior women's competition the battle for the minor premiership is already over thanks to the Bathurst Giants' second straight win over the Orange Tigers.
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For the second weekend running the Giants proved too strong for the Tigers at George Park 1, running out 8-4-52 to 1-3-9 victors in the catch-up contest.
In the process the Giants women became the first senior side in the club's short history to earn the minor premiership crown.
Giants produced their best football at the beginning and end of the match, overcoming a tough spell through the middle to see the game off on a high note.
The Bathurst women were heavily favoured for the game after demolishing Orange 85-2 a week earlier but expected a much improved Tigers outfit.
Even though that's exactly what they got Giants coach Liz Kennedy said her team were once again up for the test.
"It was a totally different game," she said.
"Today our girls came out and played really, really well in that first quarter. We went missing in the second and third quarters though.
"We rallied around each other and it was really good to watch. We needed that game because we've got Parkes, which will be a tough game, at home then Cowra away to finish.
"At least we've got week-in, week-out footy in the run towards finals. That's the main thing."
Giants split their eight goals evenly across the first of fourth quarters of Saturday's match.
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The hosts struggled across the middle of the match, allowing Orange their goal in the second quarter and missing the early cohesion they showed.
Luckily for the Giants their defence continued to do their job to ensure the Tigers wouldn't get close to them on the score board.
Giants now sit 12 points clear of their closest opponent Bathurst Bushrangers.
The second place battle is still very much alive, with the Bushies holding onto a two point margin over the Tigers in the race for a major semi-final position.
Kennedy was naturally thrilled to lock in the number one spot but doesn't want that to be a reason to take things easier over the next fortnight.
"We weren't thinking too much about the table. It's just a bonus that we're minor premiers," she said.
"We're wary of Orange and Bushrangers because they get to play week in, week out footy coming into the finals as well. They'll be coming for us.
BATHURST GIANTS 8-4-52 (Brooke Alexander 2, Danita Lane 2, Kaitlyn Kennedy, Mariah Gilchrist, Hailee Provest, Sophie Dixon) defeated ORANGE TIGERS 1-3-9 (Nita-Ellen Noble)
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
