The women’s team returned to the winners list, with a solid performance against Gisborne.

With only 10 in their starting line- up, Gisborne’s structure left Castlemaine crowding each other and their lone striker managed to get several shots away early.

Thankfully each was capably deflected by keeper Jasmine West. B oth teams had to deal with rain, hail and sunshine but in the slippery conditions, Kate Forrest and Ruby Huzzey kept their feet and intercepted every forward pass from the Gisborne midfield.

Lyn West’s pinpoint accurate headers set up chances for Sarah McCoombe and Edwina Reid, who both distributed the ball reliably out to the wings. A brilliant clearing kick from Jasmine on the edge of the box travelled over the midfield and on the second bounce was trapped by Bridget Woods and then cracked into the net for a 1-0 lead at half time.

Angela West dominated in some body-to-body pressure and worked the ball through traffic to have several shots at goal. Sidney Showell and Cate Parnell combined to create several corners and Rachel West survived several heavy tackles, earning free kicks.

Finally a great pass from Lyn saw Bridget outrun the backline and wrongfoot the Gisborne keeper to seal a 2-0 victory.