Cougars engage for win number 3

THE Cougars were undefeated as they reached round 3 of the competition, sitting nicely in second position, on percentage.
The teams on Sunday, had to contend with a blustery, rainy, nine degrees. The Cougars had a few members missing this week, but first game inclusion Jade seemed to cover for all of them, with her strong fitness and football finding ability. Amanda Thomas had the duty of captain this week, and after a stirring speech, the Cougars ran out to take their positions.
In a day, which should have highlighted the skills of the chest mark, Lauren Tesoriero defied the wet weather theory, taking a strong mark above her head, at the peak of a pack. It set the standard for the day, and enabled the Cougars the confidence to play with the skills they have learnt, even in the wet weather.
Lauren’s mark lead to the first score of the game, Kylie Snape judging the wind perfectly, and picking up the crumbs at the back of the pack, kicked her first goal. While the Cougars had the ball in their possession for majority of the quarter, it was not converted onto the scoreboard. Parkmore laid some weighty tackles, and managed to kick the second goal of the quarter. However, Kylie, dominating up forward, gathered yet another loose ball, and kicked her second.
The hard work shown in the middle by Stephanie Yiallourou, helped the Cougars to move the ball forward. An undisciplined 25 metre penalty against Parkmore, also aided the Cougars in moving the ball forward, so much so Briana Kirwin kicked her first goal for the Cougars off the wing.
In the second quarter, the Cougars kicked with greater precision, ending the quarter with four goals and only two points. Kylie continued her supremacy, kicking another two for the quarter, Kelly Tarr also bagged one, and Sarah D’Arcy kicked her first goal for the game.
The third quarter was extremely hard-hitting, with Donna Moore and Linda Robinson putting on some great shepherds in the middle of the ground, and Amanda bullocking her way through the packs, this enabled easy movement of the ball to the forward line.
At three quarter time, the Cougars backline had successfully kept Parkmore to only one goal. Lisa Michelson at centre-half back did a superb job. Megan Sutherland also did a fantastic job in the backline, moving the ball in the right direction and working hard underneath the packs. Kylie and Buckley continued to present up forward, both kicking a further two goals. The final score was Yarra Valley 14.14.104 defeated Parkmore 2.5.17.