By: Lachlan SHIRLEY

GEELONG Rangers kept its top spot on the Geelong Region Women’s Division 1 table firmly intact after the Dark Blues defeated second placed Barwon 2-1 in a close Round 10 encounter at Myers Reserve on Saturday.

PHOTO: Action from the Bell Park v Kardinia game played at the Bell Park Sports Club on Saturday (Photo: Tonci Prusac)

Brittany Elsen and Dani Mandic both helped their team to victory with a goal apiece, while Jane Newbery scored Barwon’s only goal for the afternoon.

The Rangers have now opened up a commanding seven point gap at the top of the competition table with 22 points while Barwon remain a distant second with 15 points.

At the nearby Bell Park Sports Club, Bell Park made it back to back victories after they defeated cellar dwellers Kardinia College 3-1 in another close game.

The mercurial Mary Gazis scored a memorable hat-trick which singlehandedly secured her team the important win, while Holly Ryan scored Kardinia’s only goal.

Bell Park is now back in the race for the championship title as they now find themselves in 3^rd spot with 14 points, just one point behind second placed Barwon.

Kardinia College, meanwhile, remains last with 3 points but the very youthful students continue to impress with their endeavour and commitment.

To complete the round of matches in the elite Women’s division, Drysdale defeated Surf Coast 4-2 at the Drysdale Sporting Precinct.

Serena Stephens scored a brace while teammates Lauren Salaviejus and Catie Hodge came up with a goal each to secure the three points for Drysdale.

Drysdale is in 4^th spot on the current standings with 13 points, while Surf Coast are 2^nd last in 6^th position with five points.

Deakin Ducks had a bye and will next play Bell Park in Round 11 this coming weekend.

Lachlan Shirley is a young SEDA student, currently doing work experience with FFV Geelong. He will be compiling regular weekly reports on the Geelong Region Men’s and Women’s Division 1 competitions.