Carey Park Panthers break long SWFL women’s losing streak with victory over Eaton Boomers

Carey Park have snapped an almost two-year losing streak with an 11-point victory over the Eaton Boomers. For the first time since holding off Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault by two points in round 18, 2019, the Panthers were able to get a 4.4 (28) to 2.5 (17) win over Eaton Boomers at Glen Huon Reserve on Sunday. In muddy conditions, with both teams looking to avoid the bottom of the ladder, it was a sloppy scramble for the ball from the outset. However, a goal from Catelynn Bedford secured the early lead for the Boomers until Carey Park’s Rani McMillan responded. A late minor score proved the difference for the Boomers, who went into the first break with the advantage. The second term saw Carey Park look extra-motivated to take the lead, with a number of early behinds giving them the golden opportunity to start building a lead. Despite some inaccurate kicking early on, the Panthers were able to capitalise on an apparent lack of communication between the Boomers for McMillan to kick a second goal for the afternoon and a further goal from Silva-Jade Hudson. Eaton were kept scoreless for the term to trail by 14 points at half-time. The third quarter saw Eaton trying desperately to drive the ball forward but Carey Park seemed to pick up intensity in defence, shutting them down wherever they could. Despite Jessica Ruland kicking a major for the Boomers, a few brainfades proved costly as Carey Park held on despite being kept scoreless for the term to lead 3.3 (21) to 2.3 (15) at the final change. There was plenty of back and forth between both teams during the final term as both looked determined to take home the victory. Despite some promising momentfrom the Boomers, a second goal from Hudson sealed the deal for the Panthers.