The Harcourt Lions roared to victory over Navarre in a one-sided clash at the den in round six for the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League last Saturday.
The Lions smashed through seven goals in the opening term to the Grasshoppers’ two to lead by 31 points at the first break.
Navarre lifted in the second trying to thwart the Lions run on goals and held them to four goals, while managing another of their own.
However, the Lions had extended their lead to 52 points at half-time.
Harcourt were unstoppable in the third term slamming on another six goals and holding the Grasshoppers scoreless.
The visitors rallied in the last term and managed to peg a couple back, but the Lions had all the answers and kicked another 3.3 to win by a convincing 99 points and firm up their spot on the top of the ladder with a four-point buffer from the other four top-five sides.
Cameron Anderson and Thomas Walters were on fire leading the charge with four goals apiece, while Baxter Gurd and Jed Rodda kicked three each.
Among the other top contributors for Harcourt were Kaleb McBride, Braydon Vaz, Jack Threlfall and Joshua Hogg.
Campbells Creek made the trek across the Moolort Plains to take on Carisbrook.
The Redbacks got out to an early lead in the first term kicking seven goals and keeping Creek scoreless.
Creek fought back in the second term and held the home side to three goals but failed to convert their chances and trailed by 63 points at half-time.
The Magpies’ defence continued to work hard in the third term and managed to keep the Redbacks to just 3.4 for the term while snatching a couple of points, but the margin had blown out to 83 points at three-quarter-time.
To their credit, Creek continued to fight for possession in the final term but shots on goal missed their target resulting in just five points.
At the other end of the park, Brook kicked two more to run out winners by 90 points.
Best for the Creek in a valiant effort were Nicholas O’Brien, Harley Melrose, Billie Dunne, James Martinovic, Kyle Gellatly and Joel Wootton.
Maldon welcomed Avoca to the Bill Woodfull Reserve on Saturday.
The Dons were fresh from a bye after a tough clash against Harcourt and Avoca were looking to bounce back after suffering their own loss to the in-form Lions outfit.
The first quarter was an even affair as both sides fought for the ascendency. Maldon kicking four goals and Avoca three. The Bulldogs trailed by just three points at quarter-time.
Both sides found a little something extra in the second with Maldon kicking another four and the Bulldogs four of their own to still be within three points at the long break.
The fierce battle continued in the third with Maldon kicking another three and holding a determined Avoca to two for the term to nudge their lead out to 12 points at the final change.
Maldon continued to push their opponents in the final term kicking another four and holding the visitors to just 1.2 to win the match by 30 points.
Best for Maldon were Bailey Brown with 4 goals, Noah Thompson, Natnael McLaren, Billy Johns, Tristian Rowe and Bryce Coffey.
At Trentham Reserve, the Saints welcomed Lexton.
Trentham were looking to continue their momentum following a win over Talbot, while Lexton were keen to get back on track after a loss at the hands of Carisbrook.
Trentham wasted no time smashing through seven goals to open their account and leaving Lexton in their dust with just two points.
The Saints piled on another five goals in the second term while holding their Tigers opponents to a point.
At half-time Trentham led by 77 points.
The demolition continued in the third with the Saints kicking another six goals, but to their credit Lexton never gave up and managed to kick two goals in reply. Despite their valiant efforts, the margin had blown out to 105 points at the final change.
Trentham continued to pepper the goals in the final term kicking another 6.1 and Lexton did not bow their heads adding another 2.1, but in the end Trentham were just too classy winning by a 129 points.
Best for Trentham were Thomas Fuller with 7 goals, James Regan with 6 goals, Mitchell Peeler, Taylor Ford, Cooper Webber-Mirkin, and Marcus Elderfield.
In other matches, Dunolly had a 46-point win over the Maryborough Giants and Natte Bealiba suffered a narrow six-point loss to Talbot.
Newstead had the bye.
NETBALL
On the netball court the Harcourt A Grade side lost a tough battle against Navarre 24-50. Best for the Lions was Gemma Papadimos. Campbells Creek A Grade 36 lost to Carisbrook 74. Best for Creek was Jemma Finning. Maldon 25 lost to a strong Avoca outfit 100. Best for the Dons was Claire Kelly.
Trentham 29 lost to Lexton 37. Best for the Saints was Sharna Ford. Dunolly 33 lost to Maryborough Giants and Natte Bealiba 81 defeated Talbot 49.
THIS WEEKEND
In round seven matches this weekend ,Newstead will travel to Maryborough to face the Giants at Hedges Oval, Navarre welcomes Maldon, Talbot takes on Dunolly, Carisbrook hosts Harcourt, Lexton faces Natte Bealiba and Trentham welcomes Campbells Creek. Avoca has the bye.
