In an action-packed weekend of Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League finals action Harcourt has bowed out of the finals race after going down to top-of-the-table Natte Bealiba in Saturday’s preliminary final at Princes Park Maryborough.
Trentham has secured a spot in the big one against the Swans after a big win over Lexton to the tune of 78 points on Sunday.
Harcourt went into Saturday’s match determined to defeat the Swans and earn a third consecutive tilt at grand final glory after back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023.
However, Natte Bealiba had other ideas determined to cap off their stellar 2024 season with a grand final appearance.
The Swans set up the win with a five-goal haul in the first term and try as they might the Lions could not claw their way back into the contest eventually going down by 57 points.
Sunday’s preliminary final against Lexton was a special occasion for three Trentham senior footballers.
Joint captains Harry Knight and Mark Strickland celebrated their 200th and 150th games respectively, while ruckman Zac Gervasoni chalked up his 100th game.
The trio and their teammates brought their best to post a convincing win – Trentham 15.11 (101) to Lexton 3.5 (23) – and make their way into their first grand final appearance since 1996!
In the Reserves, Harcourt defeated Talbot by an impressive 79 points and will now face Carisbrook in the big one after the Redbacks posted a 10-point win over Natte Bealiba.
The 17.5s preliminary finals saw Carisbrook defeat Natte Bealiba and Maldon account for Maryborough Giants by just two points to make their way into the grannie.
Harcourt 14.5s bowed out after a narrow six-point loss to Carisbrook and Avoca had a big win over Natte Bealiba to face the Redbacks in the final.
In the 11.5s Newstead triumphed over Avoca by 34 points to secure their spot in the grand final against Carisbrook which defeated Natte Bealiba.
Netball
On the netball court in A Grade, Avoca defeated Talbot and Natte Bealiba accounted for Lexton to make their way into the final.
B Grade saw Carisbrook defeat Natte Bealiba and Maryborough Giants account for Avoca to move into the final.
C Grade saw an exciting re-match of the 2023 grand final when Trentham’s netballers met Avoca on Sunday.
In a fiercely competitive match, Avoca led by four points early in the last quarter before the Trentham girls rallied.
Renowned for their strategic prowess and unflappable demeanor, the Saints clawed their way back under pressure, and drew level, before making a centre pass count and securing a basket with seconds to play to win 31-30 and make their way into the final against Natte Bealiba. Natte defeated the Maryborough Giants by two goals in another close contest 35-33.
In the 17 & Under division, Maldon will take on Natte Bealiba in the big one after they defeated Harcourt in Sunday’s preliminary final 38-18. Best for Maldon were Mackenzi Shepherd and Jess Davies. Best for Harcourt was Tegan McKay. Natte Bealiba 30 defeated Maryborough Giants 24.
15 & Under will see Harcourt take on Natte Bealiba in this weekend’s final after the Lions defeated Talbot 26-23. Best for Harcourt was Corey Woods. Natte 37 defeated Lexton 29.
In 13 & Under, Newstead bowed out after a valiant battle against Carisbrook where they lost 31-11. Best for the Steaders was Scarlett Ramsey. Maryborough Giants defeated Avoca 22-18 to make their way into the final.
In 11 & Under, Newstead has bounced through to the grand final after the side defeated Avoca 11-3. Best for Newstead was Remi Barker. The Roos girls will take on Navarre in the final after they defeated Natte Bealiba 13-12 in a nail biter.
Trentham Football Netball Club president Tim White said their senior footballers had done a great job to reach their first grand final since 1996, and their C Grade netballers showed their mettle under pressure to win the preliminary final by the narrowest of margins.
“The footballers had a good win on Sunday over Lexton, and now face a big challenge against top-of-the-ladder Natte Bealiba,” White said.
“Our netballers also play Natte Bealiba, and we’re hoping the whole town gets behind Trentham this week.
“The club is rapt to have two teams in grand finals, and congratulations go to all involved.”
Saints Junior Presentations
In other news the Trentham Football Netball Club held its Junior Presentations recently.
Developing juniors is the lifeblood of the Trentham club’s future, and results of awards from the recent presentation night are:
U11 football: Best & Fairest – Darcy Thompson; runner-up Jax Reid, third Hugo Leong, fourth – Hayley White (also Best Female Player); Coaches Award – Mason Moore.
U14: Best & Fairest Harley Thompson, from Ajay Ryrie, Griffin Fox and Will Hooper.
U13 Netball: Best & Fairest Lucienne Powell, from Ada Walsh, loulou Flynn, and Sophie Hooper. Coaches Award – Angelique Greenall.
U15 Netball: Best & Fairest Ella Forshaw, from Eva Evans, and Remi Stringer (also Coaches Award), Most Valuable Player – Ella Forshaw.
Ella Forshaw. 
Lucienne Powell. 
Harley Th.ompson 
Darcy Thompson.
