Castlemaine FNC is flying high after a history-making weekend for the Magpie seniors as they achieved the club’s first ever win at Tannery Lane against Strathfieldsaye.
The Magpies made a strong start in the opening term kicking four goals in the slippery conditions and holding third-placed Storm to three.
Castlemaine led by four points at quarter-time.
The Magpies continued to hold the ascendency in the third slamming on another three goals to Strath’s two to win the term and hold a 13-point lead at half-time.
Castlemaine continued their work rate in the third, shutting down Storm’s attempts on goal, with the home side only managing to eke out five points while Castlemaine kicked two more majors to extend their advantage to 23 points at the final change.
The last quarter was a real slog as both teams tried to find their footing and get important points on the board. Strath managed to get another over the line and keep the Magpies to just seven points, but Castlemaine held on to win by 23 points at the final siren and claim their sixth win of the season against a shell-shocked Storm.
The Magpie faithful were thrilled, and numerous club members had a tear in their eye as the final siren blew on Saturday.
It was a particularly emotional and long-awaited win for club stalwarts John Watson, Jackson Hood, Liam Wilkinson, Declan Slingo, Cal McConachy, Brodie Byrne, Will Moran and Riley Pedretti.
Kal Huntly was superb kicking four and coach Michael Hartley once again led from the front.
The Magpie Reserves also came to play and took their match right up to the highly fancied Storm only going down by two points at the final siren.
Best for the Magpies was Tyson Williams.
The Castlemaine Under 18 Boys also dug deep in their contest against Strath going down by just 19 points.
Best for the Magpies was Jackson Balcombe.
Women’s Football
The Under 18 Girls football side had a challenging day on the park going down to their opponents Woorinen 4.5 (29) to 6.5 (41) despite a valiant effort. Best for the Magpies was Amelia Britt.
The Senior Women’s side continued their dominance of the AFL Central Vic competition with a 165-point win over North Bendigo. Best for the Magpie Women was Rachael Stubbings.
Netball
On the netball court, A-grade lost a tough contest against Strath 17-59. Best on court was Madie Clifford and Amelia Britt.
A-reserve also lost a fast-paced contest 33-58 despite a determined effort. Best was Alana Fletcher.
B-grade brought their match right up to Storm but eventually lost 32-45. Best was Sarah Stace.
B-reserve gave their all but went down 27-53. Best on was Carly Haddock.
The 17 & Under Girls also found the going tough and lost 26-48. Best on was Rosie Jarvis. However, the 15 & Under Development Squad continued their purple patch winning 40-30. Best was Scarlett Ramsey.
Coming up
This weekend the Castlemaine FNC sides have the bye and will be back in action against Kangaroo Flat on August 10. The Magpie Women and Under 18 Girls footballers will also enjoy the bye. The round 16 fixture at Camp Reserve will mark the club’s Sponsors and Family Day and the Seniors look forward to hosting former AFL star Leigh Montagna as part of the 2024 Carlton Draft.
The Senior Women will host Marong at Camp Reserve on Friday August 9 at 7.15pm, whilst the Under 18 Girls will tackle Golden Square at Wade Street on Sunday August 11 at 11.15am.
