By Tara Murray
Roxburgh Park’s season has come to an end in Essendon District Football League Women’s division 1.
Playing finals for the first time, the Magpies took it up to Maribyrnong Park for three quarters before Lions ran away with the elimination final win.
Both teams started nervously, with neither team able to kick a goal in the first quarter.
Maribyrnong Park, one of the form teams of the competition, kicked three goals in the second quarter to open up a 16-point lead at half-time,
The Magpies were not going to give up without a fight and they kicked the only goal of the third quarter to help reduce the margin to nine points.
Unfortunately for the Magpies, the Lions found another level of intensity.
They kicked 4.4 to nothing in the final quarter to claim a 7.5 (47)-1.4 (10) victory.
Shelby Best kicked the only goal for the Magpies and was one of their best, along with Regina Evangelou and Rainbow Ebert.
The win takes the Lions into the semi-finals, in which they will face Moonee Valley.
Moonee Valley lost its qualifying final to Keilor Park, with the Devils to face Essendon Doutta Stars for a spot in the grand final.
The Magpies’ under-18 girls side was also knocked out of the finals, losing an elimination final to Tullamarine.
In women’s premier division, Keilor will face Aberfeldie for a spot in the grand final after beating the Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Kangaroos will face Hillside in a knock-out semi final after the Sharks beat Burnside Heights.
In the men’s competition, Greenvale returned to the winners’ list with a massive victory against Glenroy.
Ryan Mills kicked seven goals as the Jets won 25.11 (161)-7.5 (47).
Westmeadows and Craigieburn both had big wins in division 1.
The Tigers were too good for Taylors Lakes, winning 18.13 (121)-6.10 (46).
Mitch Church kicked five goals for the Tigers, with skipper Robbie Castello kicking four in a best-on-ground performance.
Craigieburn also had no troubles, accounting for Roxburgh Park 26.14 (170)-9.12 (66).
Brent Gordon, John Bellino and Brock Chircop kicked four goals each.
Jesse Davies was named best on ground.
