Newtown-Condingup’s Sam Higgins wins the restart. Photo: Greg Symes.
Newtown-Condingup have charged into second spot on the 2025 EDFAW ladder after a hard fought 39 point win against Esperance under lights at the Old Oval on a rare Monday night fixture for the competition.
The match commenced in persistent rain, which slowed play down and made managing the football difficult, with the Bulldogs settling better with its attacking moves repelled by Sam Higgins and Niamh Murphy in the Lions’ back line.
Seemingly against the run of play, Remy Schmidt kicked the first goal for the Lions, and she had a chance to add a second just before the quarter time siren, but her kick on goal clattered into the post.
After quarter time the rain subsided allowing the Lions to get their running and team game going, where their skills reached a fairly good standard despite wet and wintry conditions.
The Bulldogs did enjoy large periods of control in the opening half but could not make any impact on the scoreboard trailing by 14 points at half time.
The Lions sealed victory in the third quarter after two quick goals to Lara Newton and a goal to Ashlee Henderson, just before the three quarter time siren, sent Newtown-Condingup 33 points up.
Murphy (one goal) was everywhere for Newtown-Condingup, racking up possession after possession, and she was joined by Newton, Higgins and Schmidt as the Lions’ better players.
Esperance were best served by Raila Coxall, Asha Fraser, Ellesciah Romeo and Ava Neill.
Gibson remain the runway leaders of the competition after receiving a win against Ports via forfeit in the other round nine fixture.
