Northampton Rams seal GNWFL minor flag, look ahead to second-semi clash against Chapman Valley

Northampton wrapped up the Great Northern Women’s Football League minor flag on Saturday in a successful end to a difficult season for the shire, putting themselves in prime position to take on Chapman Valley in the second semifinal.

Northampton president Damian Harris praised the club’s success after they also finished in the top two in the league, and called for players to keep the energy up.

The Rams’ women’s side beat Towns convincingly, 8.9 (57) to 3.6 (24) on the final day of the season to finish four points above Valley as minor premiers.

“It’s been a successful home-and-away season for our club, the first one in a long time,” Harris said. “We’re excited. Let’s work on it (again) this week and get everyone on the training track.”

Tiani Teakle was the Rams’ best, as she has been all season, and also joint top-scored with two goals.

Hayley Halton and Katie Croston also kicked two each, while Oyinda Orundami and Georgina Brand each had one.

Amy Gould, Hannah Trusso, Halton and Brand joined Teakle on the best list.

Olivia Bidwell, Laila Jones and Brooklyn Cullen scored Towns’ goals while Charli and Olivia Bidwell, Michaela Clarke, Lani Paradella and Keeley Svenson were their best.

Although Towns did not win on the day, they cemented a top-four finish and finals football.

They finished level with Railways on 24 points, but with a much better percentage.

In the other women’s game of the round, Courtney Zappara kicked eight goals as Brigades beat Railways 10.8 (68) to 1.2 (8). Zappara was also their best player and has 47 goals for the season.

Stacey McCartney and Tori Bunter scored the Hawks’ other goals.

Tenae Leitch, Lauren Martin, Eliesha Smith and Tori Atherton made up the rest of the best list.

Kylie Latham got Railways’ only goal for the match.

Codi Cameron, Fina Dethlefsen, Jasmine Johansen, Amy-Roise Moir and Breteny Cameron were their best.

The Blues will go without finals footy for a second consecutive season after winning the first women’s premiership in 2018.