By Jonty Ralphsmith
Gippsland Power’s girls side fought hard in a 3.10 28 to 7.4 46 loss to Tasmania at Shepley Oval on Sunday.
Gun 16-year-old Grace Dillow kicked the first goal of the game against the well-drilled Devils, receiving a handball from Pakenham’s Ava Deszcz before running into an open goal.
Tassie hit back with four unanswered goals before Ella Stoddart kicked two in quick succession midway through the second quarter to keep the margin at a manageable nine points at halftime.
The visitors then kicked one in the first and last minute of the third quarter which just about iced the result.
Gippsland came hard in the last quarter with plenty of territory and possession, but was unable to convert, kicking 0.5.
Warragul Industrials’ Lilly Leighton had 20 disposals and six tackles – both team-highs – in an influential performance.
Pakenham pair Bonnie Williams and Ash Perkins both had eye-catching moments playing off halfback, while Deszcz had three shots on goal.
The girls, which sit fifth on the ladder, have three weeks off before facing Bendigo at Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn.
