With the mercury barely touching 5 degrees, a very brisk morning greeted the CobraW’s as they arrived at Bren’s Oval to face UHS-VU for their round 8 clash, and the first match for winter. 

Ignited by a characteristic fast start, CFCW surged the ball into their forward arc often, with great attack on the football, and intensity to match. Mary Spillane up forward for a holiday from her usual engine room role was able to capitalise towards the end of the quarter, sailing through a lovely goal off a free kick deep in the pocket.UHS-VU fought back hard in the second quarter, significantly lifting their pressure around the stoppages. A great string of play started by Lauren Daw (a reward for her second and third efforts) resulted in her seizing possession of the ball and moving rapidly out of defence, passing on to Kate Lucarelli and Ange Payne who were able to attack and run with the ball and centre to Mary Spillane who dobbed her second for the day in silky finish to a great chain of play. UHS-VU answered back rapidly with a response nailing a goal, and the game tightened going in to half time.

A strong third quarter effort with some very clever rucking by Evie Hall and Jacquie Edwards saw the Cobras lock down possession for most of the third quarter. Mary Spillane moving back into the engine room after her first half holiday up forward which netted two goals,  brought some serious additional ground level grunt and experience around stoppages which shifted momentum heavily for the CobraW’s. Paige Mercer provided fantastic physical pressure in the forward half stopping UHS-VU’s defence getting clean possession with her smart use of her body and intensity.

The forward half defensive pressure was rewarded with a free kick to Kate Lucarelli on the 45m arc who roosted the ball onto the goal line finding Natasha Schiller on the other end of the kick, who took a beautiful contested mark and booted her third for the day to extend the Cobra’s lead to 4 points going into the final quarter.

With the work rate cranked high, the CobraW’s hammered forward entries in the last quarter, managing three more points but no majors, while holding UHS-VU scoreless in last term.Strong midfield work by Ange Payne, Renee Rogasch, Lauren Daw and in particular Pippa Simon throughout the day was absolutely fantastic, as was their strong and disciplined running which ensured that strong pressure was applied both around the ball, and a kick behind and in front of play.Superb roving work by Loz Rinaldi, Natasha Schiller, Mary Spillane Megan Yeaman and Ange Payne proved to be an pleasure to watch.

Gemma Boucher, playing her second game for the club, provided some fantastic defensive rebound efforts which greatly assisted the CobraW’s ball movement.The consistent, strong and intense work rate by all players all match was sublime, well done squad!Congratulations are extended to Katherine Raw who played her first game after a long and hard rehab and recovery from an injury sustained during pre-season. We are inspired by your tenacity Kat!