Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League round eight contests saw some spirited clashes right across the board.
The highly anticipated match of the round was between top-of-the-table Harcourt and the Trentham Saints.
The Lions came into the match determined to bounce back after a loss to Carisbrook, while the Saints were flying high off the back of a big win over Campbells Creek.
The first term was a scrappy affair with the home side only managing to kick 1.1 and the Saints 1.2 to lead by one point at quarter-time.
Trentham lifted in the second slamming on another three goals while keeping the Lions scoreless.
At half-time their lead had blown out to 23 points.
The Lions did their best to thwart the Saints’ run on goal in the third term holding them to just two goals, but failed to make a dent on the scoreboard at the other end of the park only managing a point. As a result, the Lions trailed by 34 points at the final change.
To their credit, the Lions never bowed down and played their best footy of the day in the final term kicking two much-needed goals and keeping the Saints scoreless. But the Saints held on to win by 17 points at the final siren.
The win combined with other results across the weekend sees Harcourt topple down to fifth, while Trentham is now in third spot.
Best for the Saints were Taylor Ford, Alister Ferrier, Mitchell Peeler, Thomas Fuller, Joel Dovaston and Tom Boyer.
Best for the Lions were Mark Noonan, Jack Threlfall, Carl Thiesz, Taylar McKnight, Joshua Hogg and Orin McKay.
Newstead welcomed Talbot to the Newstead Recreation Reserve.
The Hawks got the jump on the Steaders in the opening term to snatch a 30-point lead at quarter-time. Newstead valiantly fought back for the remaining three quarters but eventually went down by 34 points.
Best for Newstead were Hayden Hall, Ethan Maltby, Bradley Richardson, Angus Mayes, Ben Moran and Nicholas Woodman.
Maldon lost a tough bout against a rampaging Carisbrook Redbacks by 82 points.
After a shaky start, the Donners worked hard to fight their way back into the contest but the Redbacks had all the answers kicking 19 goals to 5.
Following Harcourt’s loss, Carisbrook has snatched top spot on percentage from second-placed Natte Bealiba.
Best for Maldon were Darcy Kelly with 3 goals, Ashley Woodman, Damian Wust, Max Johns, Matthew Gray and Xavior Noy.
Campbells Creek made a bright start to their clash against Natte Bealiba on the road on Saturday kicking an early goal and only trailing the Swans by 11 points at quarter-time.
But the Swans kicked it up a gear in the second term and went on to power away with a 133-point win despite the Magpies’ valiant defence.
Best for Campbells Creek were Dylan Stevens, Thomas Langley, Mitchell Langley, Billie Dunne, Nicholas O’Brien and Harley Melrose.
In other matches, Avoca lost to Navarre by just five points and Lexton had a 15-point win over Dunolly. Maryborough Giants had the bye.
NETBALL
On the netball court in A Grade contests, Trentham 48 defeated Harcourt 39. Best for Trentham was Sharna Ford. Best for Harcourt was Lauren Peeler. Newstead 47 lost to Talbot 63. Best for Newstead was Brianna Jury. Maldon 18 lost to Carisbrook 95. Best for Maldon was Emma Webb. Natte Bealiba 94 defeated Campbells Creek 34. Best for Creek was Elouise Jones. Avoca 45 defeated Navarre 28. Lexton 84 accounted for Dunolly 36. Maryborough Giants had the bye,
ROUND 9
All MCDFNL sides will enjoy a bye this weekend. In Round 9 contests on June 14 Talbot will host Maryborough Giants, Carisbrook take on Avoca, Lexton welcome Newstead, Trentham face Maldon, Campbells Creek host Dunolly and Natte Bealiba take on Harcourt. Navarre has the bye.
