Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve came to life on Good Friday as a spirited Castlemaine senior side produced a brand of football needed to defeat Golden Square by eight points.
After showing plenty of promise but winning just three matches in 2025, the Magpies had been labelled by several keen observers as the Bendigo League’s most likely ‘Team on the Rise’ in 2026.
Under new playing coach Bailey Henderson the Castlemaine side worked hard all match to come out on top when the chips were down.
On-baller Henderson was sidelined with a shoulder injury for virtually all of the 2025 season, and he was extremely pleased with the 14.10 (94) to 12.14 (86) victory over a Golden Square side also keen to improve on last season’s form.
“I was so proud of how our young boys stood up,” Henderson said in summing up the outcome.
He commended the whole side on its competitive spirit and can see more wins ahead as the season unfolds.
Castlemaine spectators got more than their money’s worth, and the club’s enthusiastic supporter base may well expand in the days leading up to the Magpies’ second round match at Kangaroo Flat this Saturday, April 11.
While ‘The Flat’ may have been thrashed by 124 points by Gisborne on Good Friday, the Magpies will not be approaching the match as being “in the bag”.
The Magpies began Friday with their gallant Under 18s securing a morale-boosting 9.7 (61) to 8.10 (58) victory after they had gone into the last quarter with a lead of 14 points.
The Reserves match was also close, with Golden Square taking control in the third term, then holding on to win 7.3 (45) to 6.2 (38).
In the main game, both sides produced plenty of positive football.
It was goal for goal in the first term, with each kicking 5.4.
The visitors led by four points at half-time, and it was a point in the Magpies’ favour at the last change.
With so much at stake, the Magpies surged in the last term amid plenty of vocal support from the sidelines.
Coach for the last two seasons, the experienced Michael Hartley showed his undoubted class and versatility and produced three goals as well.
Harrison Sheahan looks to be in for a good season, and Archie Rixon was another Magpie to really impress.
Overall the team performance was really pleasing, even though it is the start of what may be a long journey.
Golden Square was best served by Archie Edwards, Tom Strauch and Liam Barrett.
NETBALLERS GO DOWN
It was a different story for Castlemaine on the netball courts, with Golden Square proving too strong overall.
The Magpies biggest chance came in A-Reserve, with the final margin just four goals.
A long season ahead, and improvement hopefully will occur.
Scores were:
A-grade: Golden Square 71 d Castlemaine 32.
A-Reserve: Golden Square 49 to Castlemaine 45.
B-grade: Golden Square 62 d Castlemaine 31.
B-Reserve: Golden Square 52 d Castlemaine 32.
17 & Under: Golden Square 79 d Castlemaine 26.
