Round 6 Reviews
Football
Natte Bealiba V Campbells Creek
Natte Bealiba cruised through Saturday’s encounter with an improving Campbells Creek, winning by 120 points at CHS Broadbent Oval.
It’s worth noting that the margin in the last meeting between the two teams was 240 points, so the Magpies have been able to cut the margin in half. While they still have a long way to go, they showed in patches that they are able to match it with good teams.
The Swans started much the better on Saturday, however, and peppered the goals in the opening term. Inaccuracy played their part, and five goals from 12 scoring shots, compared to a single goal from Campbells Creek, saw the Swans lead by 31 points at the first break.
The second quarter saw both teams put good score on the board, with the Swans again kicking five goals, but this time, Campbells Creek was able to respond in kind with three goals of their own to keep the margin at 45 points at the main break.
While the Swans were still the better team, they had to work for their goals, and the third quarter was no exception, managing four goals for the quarter, while still holding Creek scoreless, extending the lead to 73 points at the final change.
It was in the last quarter where the shackles were released, and the Swans were able to put significant score on the board as they pushed the margin beyond 100 points, finishing with eight final-quarter goals.
Will Cameron was the dominant player on the ground, and he finished with five goals as he helped form a good one-two punch with Will Holt, who was the leading goalkicker on the ground with six majors. Trent Mortlock, Stephen Ross, Jai Howell, Jordi Cossar and Holt were also named in the best for the Swans.
Campbells Creek have had a tough month of playing a host of in-form teams, but their endeavour cannot be questioned, and they’ll be happy with their second quarter efforts in particular. Harrison Barnes was their best player, with Hadley Bassett, Justin Allison, Nicholas O’Brien, Jyanni Pollard and John Vakatau all named in their best players.
Maldon V Harcourt
Harcourt were superb in shutting down the in-form Maldon forward line, running away with the game after quarter time to make it 33 wins in succession with a 40-point win.
It looked as though followers at Bill Woodfull Reserve was going to get a good contest on their hands in the opening quarter, with Maldon kicking four goals from eight scoring shots, and Harcourt kicking three goals themselves, with the Dons leading by seven points at the opening change.
But the Lions really kicked into gear in the second term, and played their best football, kicking six goals to two to turn the game in their favour, leading by 21 points at the main break.
The Lions got to enjoy much of the play in the third quarter, but inaccuracy also played their part as they were unable to completely put the game away, kicking two goals from seven scoring shots. In comparison, Maldon were economical when the ball was forward of centre, kicking two goals to maintain some interest, trailing by 25 points at the final change.
The Dons kicked two of the first three goals of the final term to reduce the margin to 19 points, but it was all Harcourt from there as they kicked the final three goals of the game to have the game in their safekeeping.
It was a return to form of sorts for the Lions, who had struggled to overcome Trentham and the Maryborough Giants in recent weeks.
The ruck battle between Don Noah Thompson and Lion Jordan Gartside was a beauty, with both players showing their wares around the contest and their burst from stoppages, and each were named among the best of their respective sides.
Jacob Ede put together a complete performance for Harcourt, while Thomas Walters was also busy in the clinches. Thorne Wilson, Riely Thiesz and Braydon Vaz were also named in the best, while Jed Rodda kicked five goals.
Alongside Thompson, Damian Wust, Matthew Gray, Brodie Leonard-Shannon, Adam Robinson and Jordon Collins were named in the best for Maldon, with Leonard-Shannon maintaining his lead atop the goalkicking charts with four majors for the afternoon.
Maryborough Giants V Dunolly
It was history in the making, and the biggest of big, big sounds reverberated around Hedges Oval as the Maryborough Giants were able to finally break through for their first senior football win in their history on Saturday afternoon against Dunolly.
Nine goals to two in the middle two quarters meant the Giants were able to run all over a shell-shocked Dunolly, who had come into the game hoping to continue their good start to the season and hold down a top four spot.
But the Giants had other ideas, and a win that has, in all respects, been coming for the club after good performances without success against top eight teams Talbot, Lexton and Harcourt was finally forthcoming.
The Giants were able to get the jump thanks to early goals to Jacob Rollason and Chris Scragg to take a four-point lead going into the first change.
It was all the men in charcoal and orange in the second term as they kicked four goals to one to clear away from the Eagles, with the Giants 23 points in front at the main break.
It was the third quarter that did the trick for the Giants in their clash with Harcourt last week, and that would be the case again on Saturday. Instead of having to come back, however, the Giants were able to seal the game with a five-goal to one run as Hedges Oval was rocking, with the Giants 53 points up at the final change.
While a shellshocked Eagles were able to kick four goals to two to reduce the final margin to 39 points, it was all the Giants, who were able to win 13.8 (86) to 7.5 (47).
An electrifying midfield performance from young dynamo Aiden Carter set the Giants alight, and he was well-supported by hard-running wingman Cody Wright and Kieran Johns. Matt Walker was as workmanlike as ever, as was Zayne Earl, while Rollason was also named in the best for the victors.
An even spread of seven goalkickers contributed to their 13 goals, with Scragg kicking three and Rollason, Mitch Whelan, Cody Bravo and Declan Wagstaff kicking two each.
For Dunolly, Lachlan Tranter was their best, while Oscar Keogh, Jay McDonald, Jake Willcocks — their only multiple goalkicker with two goals, Bailey Goodwin and Corey Bray were also named in their best.
Carisbrook v Avoca
A great opening term by Carisbrook kicking four goals to nil goals set up a twenty-five point victory over Avoca on Saturday. 9.7.(61) to 5.6.(36)
The Redbacks went into the game resting their star ruckman, Jackson Bowen, and were obviously confident of getting the points by leaving him out of the game.
After the first quarter Avoca provided a tough contest for the Redbacks scoring one less point for the home team for the remainder of the game, but Carisbrook proved too good at the final siren.
The Bowling green end of Carisbrook Recreation Reserve had been the scoring end all day and Carisbrook took advantage in the first term, with goals to Tim Rinaldi (2), Andrew Toan, and Dean Chester,
When Toan goaled from a free kick two minutes into the second term from a free kick, it looked like the Redbacks were on their way to a big score. However, the Bulldogs dug deep and continued to pressure the Redbacks and youngster Campbell Blair kicked their opening goal late in the quarter.
Sean Moyle was proving a handful for the Redbacks as he gathered numerous possessions for the Bulldogs after half time, and it was the third term where play started to open up a bit and both sides posted three goals each, as the Redbacks led at three quarter time by twenty-three points.
A scrappy final quarter saw only two goals kicked with one apiece to Leo Fitzgibbon for Carisbrook and Nathan Coghlan for Avoca.
The Bulldogs continued to press, but Matt Bilton, and Adam Hurse, stood in their way and repelled many of their attacking moves.
Carisbrook’s better players were Bilton, Patrick Van der Pol Andrew Toan, Adam Hurse, Brady Neill and Tim Rinaldi who slotted three goals for the winning team.
Avoca named Sean Moyle as their best along with Nathan Coghlan, Cameron Antonio, Byron Wynd Taylor Kenedy and Scott Cawthan.
Navarre v Lexton
Old Lexton League rivals Navarre and Lexton met at the Navarre Recreation Reserve on Saturday with the Tigers going in as favourites to get the points, however the Grasshoppers pushed them all of the way as the Tigers got up by thirteen points. 8.9.(57) to 6.8.(44).
It was the first quarter which made the difference as Lexton held the Grasshoppers scoreless, while kicking three goals themselves.
From this point in the game Navarre outscored the Tigers and led at three quarter time by four points.
Lexton overran the home team though in the final quarter, as they had nine soring shots on goal to just two to post their fourth win of the season and now sit in sixth position on the ladder.
Lexton named Aidan Broughton as their best player, Bryce Karslake, Tom McGregor, and Josh Sargent were others to play well, as were Luke Arvidson and Dan Wrigley, with Pat Parr and Josh Sargent both kicking two goals apiece.
Sam, Rickard, Dante Lorusso, Jayden Fowkes, Luke Hendy, Nick Birthisel, and Brady Tillig well served Navarre, with Rickard, and Jack Jess, both kicking two goals each.
Trentham v Talbot
Trentham hosted the Talbot Hawks on Saturday and it was a game that was in the balance for most of the day, but the Saints won by twenty four points at the final siren. 12.15.(87) to 8,.5.(53.
With only fourteen points separating the teams at three quarter time in favour of Trentham, Talbot still fancied their chances, but the Saints slipped up a gear as they ran out the final term with nine shots on goal to four.
The Saints shared their goals amongst eight different players, including two goals apiece to James Regan and Jake Keogh who are their key goal scorers to date for the season.
Trent Barrass failed to appear for the Hawks, so the expected match up against the Saints midfielder, Joel Cowan did not happen, but Cowan was not named in their best players for the first time for the season, so the Hawks nullified his input substantially well.
The Saints have many talented players though and Joel Dovaston, Sam Kelly and Zac Gervasoni shone for the Saints and were well supported by Jake Keogh, Harrison Knight, and Liam Ratliff.
Talbot’s Lachlan Griffiths, Matt ward and Jude McGuire were named amongst the better players as was Jayson Atkins, Aaron Coolicoat and Sam Hitchings, with Adam Scott kicking three goals.
Netball
Carisbrook V Avoca
For a second sucessive week, Carisbrook embarked on a large comeback after quarter time, but this time, they were unable to come home with the four points, with Avoca hanging on by two goals in the grand final rematch.
With both teams unbeaten, there was plenty riding on this one in terms of early permutations for a spot in the top two, and it was the Bulldogs who started impressive as Maddy Egan led the way in front of goal, scoring on 18 occasions to help give the Bulldogs a 21-8 lead at the first change.
Carisbrook shifted up a gear in the second quarter, just as they had against Lexton the week before, and it was the work of Andrea Schafer, who scored 11 goals without a miss, as well as Paige McLean, who added five goals, as the Redbacks outscored the Bulldogs 16-10 to reduce the margin to seven goals at half time. Egan and Gina Beavis scored five goals apiece for the Bulldogs.
The third quarter saw the game tighten up drastically, as a high-scoring first half made way for a significant battle of wits, particularly across such a terrific midcourt battle for both teams. In the end, however, it was Carisbrook who reduced the margin again, scoring 12 goals to nine to trail by four goals at the final break. McLean scored seven and Schafer scored five, while for the Dogs, Egan scored on five occasions and Beavis four.
Carisbrook continued to harass and harry the Bulldogs as they sought to run them over, but the reigning premiers had all the answers as they held the Redbacks at bay long enough to hold on by two goals, despite losing the final three quarters. Egan scored five more goals to finish with 33 for the day, while Beavis likewise added five, while for Carisbrook, Schafer added eight goals to finish with 27 goals, while McLean added four.
Despite the win, Avoca now relinquish top spot thanks to the Giants’ big win over Dunolly, while Carisbrook maintain third for now, with Natte Bealiba just half a game behind with a game in hand.
Natte Bealiba V Campbells Creek
Natte Bealiba were much too strong for Campbells Creek on Saturday, winning by 49 goals.
The work of playing-coach Emma Ryan tormented Creek again on Saturday, as she finished with 56 goals, adding to the 76 she scored in their last meeting in 2023.
The first quarter saw Natte get a good start, scoring 15 goals to four to lead handily at the first change. Ryan scored 12 goals for the Swans, while Polly Douglas added three, while for Campbells Creek, Lillie Wrigley and Tarni Williams scored twice apiece.
The second quarter was a little better from Creek as they upped their scoring rate, but it was still Natte leading 32-11 at the main break, with Ryan scoring 13 goals, Douglas three times and Shannae Mills once for Natte, while Wrigley scored four goals for Creek and Williams three times.
The third quarter saw Natte completely blow out the game as they added 18 goals to just two to lead 50-13 by the final change. Ryan scored 15 goals, while Mills added three, while for Creek, Williams and Wrigley added one apiece.
Natte continued to run out the game well, and they eventually finished up with 17 goals to five to take a comfortable victory which puts them just half a game behind Carisbrook, but with a game in hand. Ryan scored 16 goals, while Mills added one, while for Creek, Williams scored three and Jayde Brennan twice.
Maryborough Giants V Dunolly
Maryborough Giants have stormed back to the top of the A grade ladder thanks to a convincing 56-goal victory against Dunolly.
It was a slow burn throughout the first half, but the Giants eventually clicked into gear, and coupled with an unfortunate injury to Eagles’ playing-coach Ash Lierich, were able to eventually score at will.
The Giants took a 10-goal lead into the first change thanks to 13 goals to three. Annalyse Carroll scored eight goals, while Abbey Raven added five, while for the Eagles, Mel Schodde scored two goals, and Kate Ashman added one.
It was much the same again in the second term as the Giants added 15 goals to five to lead 28-8 at the main break. Carroll again scored eight goals, while Raven added seven, while Ashman added all of Dunolly’s five goals.
A change underneath the goal circle saw the Giants release the shackles in the third term, and scored 21 goals to five to extend their lead to 49-13 at the last change. Ruby Saunder moved into goal shooter for Carroll, and she scored 14 goals, while Raven added seven. For Dunolly, Ashman scored four, and Schodde one.
The good times rolled on for the Giants in the last term as they were able to score 24 goals, with Carroll back in the goal circle and scoring 16 goals to finish with 32 for the day, while Raven added eight to finish with 27 of her own. For Dunolly, Leah Davis scored all four goals.
Maldon V Harcourt
Maldon did their finals chances no harm with a strong 15-goal victory over Harcourt on Saturday.
Needing a win to rebound after losing to Newstead last week, the Dons came out firing and took a good lead into the first quarter thanks to 17 goals to seven. Katie Tong scored 14 goals, while Ainsley Taft added three, while for the Lions, Tegan McKay scored four goals, and Gemma Papadimos three.
Both teams held station in the second quarter as the game effectively went goal-for-goal, with both teams scoring 10 goals for the quarter, with Maldon continuing to lead 27-17 at the main break. Tong scored six goals and Taft four for Maldon, while for Harcourt, McKay and Papadimos scored five times apiece.
It was much of the same in the third quarter. Every time Harcourt looked to challenge, Maldon seemingly had an answer as they maintained their 10-goal lead, 36-26. For Maldon, Taft scored five goals and Tong four, and for Harcourt, McKay scored six times and Papadimos three.
The last quarter saw Maldon extend their lead to 15 goals as they finished strongly, moving to within half a game of the top eight ahead of having the bye this weekend. Tong scored seven goals to finish with 31 for the day, and Taft six for the Dons, while for Harcourt, McKay scored five times to finish with 20 goals, while Papadimos scored three times.
Navarre V Lexton
Lexton took a much-needed victory over Navarre to keep themselves in the frame for a top four finish, as well as getting back on an even keel at 3-3.
It was a tight start, but Lexton eventually wore down the defensive structure of Navarre to become the first team to score 50 goals against the Hoppers this season.
It was a good-quality opening quarter, with Lexton scoring on 14 occasions and Navarre 12 to leave the Tigers sitting pretty by two goals at the first change. Playing-coach Leesa Donhardt scored nine times for the Tigers, while Rachel Phelan added five, while for Navarre, Annabelle Price scored nine times, and Sadie Reading three.
The second quarter was much the same. Navarre kept in touch, scoring 11 goals, but Lexton were just that little bit cleaner, scoring on 13 occasions to extend the lead to four goals at half time, 27-23. Donhardt scored seven times for the Tigers, with Phelan adding six, while for Navarre, Price scored seven times and Reading four times.
Lexton cleared out in the third quarter, and it allowed them to dictate the pace of play in the second half, scoring 16 goals to 10 to take a 43-33 lead at the final change. Phelan scored nine goals and Donhardt seven for the Tigers, while for the Hoppers, Mollie Simpson scored eight times and Price two.
That was the game for Lexton, as they continued to do what they had done in the first two quarters and eke away from the Hoppers, winning a third quarter by two goals to eventually finish up 12-goal winners. Phelan scored nine goals to finish with 29 for the day, ably supported by Donhardt, who scored three to finish with 26. For Navarre, Simpson scored nine times, while Reading scored once.
Trentham V Talbot
Trentham have maintained their spot in the top eight after shrugging off a determined B.A Road Services Talbot Hawks to win by 16 goals.
Indications were that this would be a tough, close game and the first quarter produced all of those qualities, with the Saints leading by two goals at the first change thanks to 11 goals to nine. Zahlia Turton scored six goals for the Saints, with Jacqui Bell adding five, while for Talbot, playing-coach Eleisha Phelps scored seven goals, and Dom Roche two.
It was a similar story in the second quarter, with the Hawks continuing to play well, but not quite well enough to reel in the Saints, who scored 12 goals to nine to lead 23-18 at the main break. Tarnee Hammond was again the super-sub for the Saints, and scored eight goals, while Turton added four goals, while for Talbot, Phelps scored five goals and Roche four.
It was the third quarter which saw the Saints clear away and make the game their own, scoring 16 goals to nine to lead 39-27 at the final change. Hammond scored nine goals, while Turton added seven for the Saints, and for the Hawks, Tia Skelton scored five goals, and Phelps four.
The final quarter was a representation of the first two quarters, with Trentham proving too strong and clearing away with 12 goals to eight. Hammond and Bell scored six times each for the Saints, while for the Hawks, Phelps scored four goals and Skelton four.
