Castlemaine Football Netball Club hit the road last Saturday to take on powerhouse Golden Square at Wade Street in round 16 action in the Bendigo Football Netball League.
It was a big day for the club with footballer Jackson Byrne playing his 50th Senior game for the Magpies and netball stalwart Kristie Lenon playing her 150th.
Jacko first began playing for CFNC back in 2012 as an Under 14 player and has diligently risen through the ranks over the past 11 years. In that time he’s played over 50 junior club games and over 100 Club games at a BFNL level. His career total currently sits at 200 games.
After making his Senior debut in 2018 Jackson’s proven himself to be a committed and reliable player who always gives 100 per cent. In his position on the wing he always seems to find a way to get under the skin of his opponent. His defensive skills are well established and he is a highly regarded member of the football squad. Congratulations Jacko!
Kristie is a loyal member of the Castlemaine FNC, beginning her netball journey in 17 & Unders in 2011 at age 14. She has represented all grades during her tenure and is currently a valued leader of the CFNC B Grade team.
Kristie is a dynamic and creative midcourter, with a workhorse engine. She has a strong love for the game and a willingness for continual personal growth and improvement.
She is one of just a handful of netballers at CFNC to reach this incredible milestone, congratulations on this fantastic achievement Kristie!
The club also recognise Tal Keogh’s 50 Club Game milestone which is similarly being reached this weekend.
The Castlemaine Seniors found the going tough against the second-placed Bulldogs with the home side opening up a 10 goal lead following a blistering opening term.
Castlemaine regained their composure and chipped in two in the second term and held the Bulldogs to three but 71 points seperated the sides at half time.
To their credit the Magpies continued to battle hard in their third and kicked another important goal while keeping Square to two goals for the term.
However, in the final quarter the Bulldogs broke free kicking another eight goals whilst holding Castlemaine to two points to win by a convincing 125 points.
Goal kickers for the Magpies were Ben Moran, Ben McConachy and Daniel Lawson.
Best were Riley Pedretti, Brodie Byrne, Lloyd Butcher, Ben McConachy, Brendan Josey and Liam Wilkinson.
The Reserves also had a challenging day on the park going down by 162 points.
Best were Jay Hardman, Thomas Wilson, Sam Nettleton, Tyson Jackson, Kaine Fleeton and Finley Palmer-Jennings.
The Under 18s held their own against the in-form Bulldogs in the opening term kicking two goals to Square’s six and trailed by 27 points at quarter time.
However, the Bulldogs kicked another four to the Magpies one in the second term to extend their advantage to 47 at half time.
The home side went on with the job in the second half kicking another nine goals despite the Magpies valiant efforts to win by 100 points.
Goal kickers for the Magpies were Aidan Goddard 2, Archie Rixon and Curtis McLennan.
Best were Archie Rixon, Theo Mellick-Cooper, Nick Lord, Alton Bracken, Sam Moran and Aidan Goddard.
The netballers faired better on the day with A Grade recording a great win 52 to the Bulldogs 30. A Reserve also had a decisive win 48-27. B Grade went down to a strong Bulldogs outfit 49-29. B Reserve also lost 49-21 despite a valiant effort and the 17 & Under side narrowly lost their bout 43-38 despite some terrific passages of play.
In other club news the Magpies congratulate A Graders Emma Winfield, Montaya Sardi and Shaid Sasalu who came away with the premiership, playing for Melbourne University Lightning 19/Under side in the Victorian Netball League last weekend! Well done!
This weekend the Castlemaine FNC sides host Sandhurst in round 17 at the Camp Reserve.
The Magpie Women’s Football side enjoyed a bye in the final round of the AFL Central Vic Women’s League last weekend and finished on top of the table undefeated with 12 wins from 12 outings.
The Magpies will face Woorinen in the first round of finals this Sunday August 20 at 1.30pm at Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk. Best of luck to the Magpie Women as they strive to defend their 2022 flag.
