Hampden White remains the only unbeaten side in the open category after a 63-45 triumph over Warrnambool and District at the Arc.

Hampden started well, taking an early lead in the first term, but strong defensive work and accurate shooting from Warrnambool had scores level midway through the quarter.

Sharnie Moloney and Jaymie Finch were accurate under goals for Hampden, shooting from every angle with ease. Despite strong defence from Warrnambool goal keeper Lisa Anders, Hampden led 14-11 at the first break. 

Hampden rested Lisa Couch and Sarah O’Keefe for the second term, with coach Stacey O’Sullivan moving to wing attack and Allison Tewierik going to wing defence, while Warrnambool moved Rachael Jaynes into goal shooter.

Hampden broke away in the second term, shooting 20 goals to lead 34-22 at half-time. 

Moloney and Finch were on song again, but Warrnambool centre Kelly Plozza’s work rate was second to none.

Jaynes and goal attack Sophie Ballinger made the most of the opportunities Plozza’s work mid-court afforded them.

Hampden rested Maddison Smedts in the third term, moving Couch into the centre.

Moloney was also rested, with Darcy Wilson moved into goal attack.

Warrnambool wing attack Josie Ellerton, wing defence Megan Forth and goal defen ce Kate Ryan worked hard to stop Hampden’s momentum in the third term but their efforts proved fruitless, with Hampden adding 13 goals to lead 47-36 at the final change.

Smedts was brought back on for O’Sullivan late in the third term and dominated at wing attack. 

Warrnambool got a run on in the fi nal quarter, with a flurry of goals late in the game. But it wasn’t enough to get it across the line, with Hampden shooting another 16 to walk away with the win.

O’Sullivan said defence was her side’s defining factor last night. 

She said the high rotation policy also worked well.

“Darcy Wilson was a standout for me, playing well in both goals and defence,” she said.

“Our shooting probably wasn’t as accurate as last week, but it was still consistent enough. We have good depth in the side, which means the rotations and different combinations we try are effective.”

In other open matches, Hamilton Night had a narrow win over Warrnambool City 41-40 and Hampden Green easily accounted for Colac District, 44-20.

In 17 and under games, Warrnambool City had a big win over Warrnambool and District 60-20, Camperdown Night defeated Colac and District 57-22 and Hampden Green got over the top of Hampden White, 49-34.