The Castlemaine Magpies played host to South Bendigo at the Camp Reserve on Saturday and were overrun by their visitors.
The Magpie Seniors came into the match flying high off the back of consecutive wins over Golden Square and Kangaroo Flat.
The Bloods had also bagged a couple of wins and were keen to secure a third.
The Magpies were first on the board with a goal to Tyson Hickey but the Bloods had all the answers moving forward kicking five to lead by 26 points at quarter-time.
South nabbed another early in the second before playing coach Michael Hartley kicked the Magpies second.
The Bloods Josh Nitschke was on fire smashing on another four before Josh Eyre pegged one back for the Magpies.
At half-time 43 points separated the sides.
Kaiden Antonowicz kicked another couple for the visitors in the third, with another from the boot of Brock Harvey before Castlemaine’s Harrison Sheahan and Kalan Huntly claimed late goals.
The Bloods had extended their lead to 52 points at three-quarter-time.
South maintained their momentum in the third kicking another four goals, but Castlemaine continued to challenge the side and were rewarded with three more goals to Josh Eyre in a strong finish.
Despite this, South ran out winners by 56 points.
Best for the Magpies were Ryan Eyre, Callum McConachy, Michael Hartley, Zavier Murley, Patrik Balta and William Marks.
The Magpie Reserves also lost a spirited match to the Bloods by 40 points.
Best were Bodhi Robinson, Dylan Hickey, Aidan Douglas, Thomas Ford, Campbell McLennan and Luke Walters.
The Under 18s were in touch with the Bloods after the first term but a fine second quarter effort set up a 39-point win for the visitors.
Best for the Magpies were Oscar Giddings, Oliver Britt, Gabriel O’Sullivan, Benjamin Jardine, Cooper Mark and Jack Nuttall.
NETBALL
On the netball court the Magpies A Reserve side lost 30-56 in a great contest, B Grade 26 narrowly lost to the Bloods 43, B Reserve lost a tough battle 9-57, and 17 & Under had a terrific win 48 to 25.
THIS WEEKEND
This Saturday in the split round the Magpies will travel south to take on the Gisborne Bulldogs at Gardiner Reserve, and after a week’s rest the Magpie Women’s Football side will host White Hills in the Pink Round at the Camp Reserve on Mother’s Day this Sunday May 11 from 1pm.
