Maldon had to come from behind in their win over Dunolly in the Bendigo Bank Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League this week.
In a fast free flowing game, Dunolly took it right up to the reigning premier and led by seven points at the last change but Maldon assumed control in the final quarter and kicked away to win by 14 points.
The first quarter was a goal fest and James McNamee had two goals on the board inside a minute with the eagles getting the ball out of the middle courtesy of Daniel Ariuu who was proving to be very evasive as he hit McNamee lace out 15 seconds into the game.
David Carroll slotted one of his customary goals from the boundary line with a quick reply for Maldon but McNamee kicked his 3rd for the term from the next centre bounce. The ball was being moved around the ground at a furious pace as both sides played attacking football and the Eagles looked to be taking control of the game early. Christian Kelly had other ideas and kicked three goals for the term and handed another off to Stephen Harris, but the Eagles still won the term 6.5.41 to 5.4.34
The second term was won by the home team as they monopolised the ball in their forward half and Kyle Winstanley was lively up forward for the bombers with two goals. Maldon was much cleaner and handled the ball with precision, but the Eagles players tended to fumble possession quite a lot. Maldon led at half time 10.5 to 8.6
It was goal for goal in the third term with Winstanley scoring another two goals, but Joey Thompson set Dunolly alight late in the term and set up three goals with some great play out of the middle breaking the lines and hitting his forwards on the chest to allow the Eagles to lead at the final change by seven points.
The scene was set for an exciting last quarter, but the Eagles had ran their race and could only manage to enter their forward zone on two occasions in the final quarter, and the ball was repelled with ease on both occasions. Tom Cain put the game beyond doubt with a 50 metre goal late in the term as Maldon ran over the top of the Eagles to win by 14 points.
It was a disappointing finish for Eagles supporters but their early season form suggests that a promising season is ahead. Maldon 18.10.118 def Dunolly 15.14.104
Navarre v Trentham
Navarre opened the game at a hectic pace and precise ball handling allowed them to open up a big break as they kicked seven goals to Trentham’s one.
The Saints fought back in the second term with the first three goals to apply some pressure on the grasshoppers but they still managed to maintain a 31 point margin at half time.
It was all Navarre after the main break as they posted seven goals to one as Navarre won by 59 points at the final siren.
Daniel Parkin continues to impress and again stood out for Navarre while Sam Robertson was the focal point up forward with six goals.
Trentham’s Chevy Williams and Cameron Baker played well for the Saints and Brandon Turner was also amongst the better players.
Navarre won 16.11.107 to 6.12.48
Lexton v Harcourt
Harcourt made the journey to meet Lexton who were playing in their new jumpers for the first time and the Tigers managed to keep their winning record intact in a game that was hotly contested by both sides.
Lexton was missing a number of players through injury including its captain, Mark Shaw, and Coach Shane Fisher was also absent form the playing field.
The Tigers led at every change but Lexton had more possession in their forward zone after half time. Nick Locandro had another great game for the Tigers, setting up many forward moves to where the illusive Jay Robins lay in wait as he kicked four goals for the game. Mark Oxley was very good in the ruck for Harcourt and Jarrod Trethowan proved a difficult customer for the Tigers defence as he slotted six goals, but it was not enough as Lexton won 12.17.89 to 11.8.74.
Avoca v Campbells Creek
Avoca travelled to Campbells Creek and were very undermanned as Ben Howell, Jack & Tom Kaye, Steve Patterson and Will Johanson were all unavailable. Creek took advantage of this and pushed the Bulldogs all the way and were leading at half time and very confident of causing an upset with big forward Miels Grice causing some concern up forward. The Bulldogs became more settled after the break and dominated play in the third quarter to get out to a 28 point lead at the final change. Creek won the final term but could not do enough to win the game as Avoca ran out eventual winners by 19 points. Lachy Edwards was again the key player for Avoca as he won numerous possessions around the packs. Bryce Howell and Matt Hind were also influential players in the Bulldogs win. 15.13.103 to 13.6.84
Natte Bealiba v Royal Park
Natte Bealiba hosted Royal Park in a very one sided contest. Brendan Birch, Matt Levings and Jimmy Shelton all tried hard for the Tigers but Big Axel Collins was unstoppable up forward kicking 17 goals for the Swans as they completely outclassed the struggling Royal Park unit. A nine goal opening term to the Swans set the scene for the day as Stephen Ross and Bruno Mortlock dominated play around the middle of the ground and Alexander Pollock and Jacob Long were also noteworthy as the Swans kicked away to a massive win 30.19.199 to 3.4.22.
Carisbrook v Rovers (Night)
The Carisbrook Recreation Reserve was full of expectatation as Maryborough Rovers and The Carisbrook Redbacks took to the field under lights.
After a short delay due to a power failure, the game got underway and it was Carisbrook who gained the early ascendancy with fantastic midfield pressure. Kicking towards the Bowling club, The Brook kicked their first goal Two minutes in from a downfield free kick to Nathan Wright. Three minutes later Ruckman Paddy Jenes took a strong mark in the goal square and goaled and it was Carisbrook who looked to have all the momentum. Maryborough Rovers stemmed the tide, and started to get there hands on the ball. Trent Barras was providing a strong target up forward for Rovers but could not convert, as Carisbrook took it coast to coast and goaled through former Berry Powell medallist Ryan Morgan. Rovers first goal came through a great running goal from Brent Hudson at the 18-minute mark. Nathan Wright then replied soon after with his second after Luke Robinson hit him lace out on the lead. Carisbrook had a chance to gain a big lead on the Rovers boys early but peppered the goals with four straight behinds to finish the quarter to hold a 22 point lead.
The second quarter followed the first, as it was Carisbrook who again took initiative, kicking the first goal to open up a 28 point buffer. Rovers stalwart Mathew Stevens was outstanding and set up Karson Guareschi with his first goal to cut the margin. Maryborough Rovers started to get on top in the midfield, and Andy Jardine was a huge part of it as his penetrating left foot was finding targets across half forward. Carisbrook then hit back when Jake Bucknall’s snap fell into Wright’s chest and he kicked his third. He then followed it with a 4th three minutes later and Brook was out to the biggest lead of the game.
The half time margin was 35 points but Nathan Wright was once again providing a handful for the Rovers defence, kicking his 5th. Ryan Morgan followed with his second and it was looking as if it would be a blow out on the scoreboard. Trent Barras responded right on three quarter time but the game was well and truly over with Carisbrook leading 11.11.77 to 3.1.19.
The fourth term got underway, Rovers big man Dion Hedger was starting to win the ruck taps, and Rovers got on top in the midfield. Trent Barras kicked another one for the magpies, and joint coach Scott Sellers took a strong mark and goaled from the goal square to cut the margin back to 49 points. Maryborough Rovers were starting to play the football which had them placed as favourites for this game. Fraser was repelling many of Carisbrook’s attacks across halfback. Jake Bucknall kicked the Redbacks first for the quarter at the 21-minute mark and Jon Gray then finished the scoring with a goal from a great handball from young Brendan Murdoch. Final scores Carisbrook 13.16.94 Maryborough Rovers 5.4.34.
Maryborough Rovers will be looking to bounce back next week against Trentham, whilst Brook will look to take it up to Premiership favourites Lexton.
Newstead v Talbot
Sunday saw the unveiling of Newstead’s new recruit, Luke Walters, and he showed that he will certainly boost the hopes for the Steaders this season. He was easily the best player on the ground as they demolished Talbot from the first bounce to win by 161 points.
Wally McGinty and Liam Bright dominated the ruck contest and Walters playing on ball brought many running players around him into the game with his long looping handball on either side of his body. Casey Zepnick and Andy Kraulis sent the ball forward at will to where Tom & Sam Reece where waiting up forward, and they did the job that was required with fifteen goals between them. Tom Reece was outstanding with eleven goals for the game.
Nathan Webster created a lot of opportunities up forward for the Reece boys with his bullocking work and also kicked three goals himself.
Talbot did show glimpses at stages of the game and were well served by Rowan Prentice, Darren Burns and Aiden Matthews at ground level, while Adam Smith and Carl McInnes were competitive, but whenever the ball entered the Hawks forward zone, Adrian Conn was there to return it which happened on a consistent basis throughout the game. Conn was impassable down back and he set up many forward moves from the last line of defence.
Newstead sent a warning to other teams with this awesome display of football that they will be a definite contender come finals time. Newstead won 30.10.190 to 5.9.39
Last Modified on 17/08/2011 11:12