Chapman Valley take out minor premiership after downing Towns

Chapman Valley have taken out the GNFLW minor premiership after an emphatic victory over Towns on Saturday afternoon.

Towns would have had to win by a considerable margin to overcome the percentage advantage of the Royals but they never got the chance as they were held scoreless in the 5.9 (39) to 0 defeat.

The top-of-the-table clash and finals preview was an important clash for both sides who were looking to gain an edge over the other heading into finals in two weeks.

They met in less than ideal conditions: blustery winds and an oval that, having had three matches earlier in the day, had its fair share of muddy spots.

It was an unsurprisingly scrappy opening from the top two teams. However, the ball was living in the Royals’ half and Tayah Palmer scored the opening goal to break the deadlock.

Royals added a second to take a 12-point lead into halftime and with the conditions making ball movement difficult, it was always going to be hard for the chasing team.

Chapman Valley continued to dominate the game and outnumber Towns in the contest, stretching the margin to 20 points.

The Bulldogs just couldn’t find a way back into the game as their defence was working overtime and the ball rarely threatened their own attacking 50.

The game was already out of reach by the third quarter and the Royals could’ve won by more but kicked 2.7 in the second half to win by 39.

Palmer kicked three of their five goals, with singles to Georgia Keysers and Lucinda Rouse, while Taylah Broadhurst picked up a best player nomination in her 50th game.

While it was a disappointing day for the Towns, Olivia Bidwell completed a perfect personal season by picking up her 12th best player nomination in as many games in a fantastic achievement.

In the Sunday clash, Railways secured third place with a win over Mullewa 5.7 (37) to 4.1 (25).

They looked to be doing it easy, leading by 29 points at the final break thanks to goals from Jasmine Johansen, Jasmin Walsh and Ashleigh Walker.

But they scored just one behind in the final term as the Saints came home in a flurry, kicking three unanswered goals to reduce the margin to two goals.

However, it will matter little to the Blues who have secured a home elimination final against the Rams come the first week of finals.

Mullewa will look to finish their season on a high when they face the winless Rovers in their final game next Saturday.