The Castlemaine Magpies lost an absolute nailbiter to the Strathfieldsaye Storm at Tannery Lane in the Bendigo Football Netball League’s Indigenous Round on Saturday, going down by just two points.
Storm were on top early with a four-goal haul in the opening term, holding the Magpies to 2.4.
The second quarter was a closer affair with Strath kicking three more and Castlemaine replying with two goals to trail by 10 points at half-time.
In the third, both sides kicked two goals apiece and the Magpies remained in touch and in with a fighting chance.
They grabbed it with both hands in the final term kicking 3.6 to Storm’s 2.1 but just couldn’t get over the line before time ran out.
Best on for the Magpies was Patrick Balta. Other top contributors were Rhys Jenkins, Harrison Sheahan, Kalan Huntly, Campbell McLennan and Callum McConachy.
The Reserves also lost a close contest to the Storm by just 17 points. Best on was Archie Rixon,
The Under 18s also endured a hard fought eight point loss to Strath. Best on was Ben Jardine.
On the netball court, the Magpie A Reserve side lost a fierce contest which went right down to the wire 50-60. Best on was Charli Henderson.
B Grade lost 76-29 despite a valiant effort. Best on for the Magpies were A Jumpertz and J Williamson.
B Reserve lost 72-22. The side never gave up with some fantastic passages of play. Best on was Paige McMahon.
The 17 & Under side lost 55-40 in a close contest. Best on in a great team display was Ellie Clifford.
Women’s Football
The Magpie Women’s Football side made the journey to Wade Street to take on Golden Square on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulldogs took the match right up to the highly fancied top of the table Magpie outfit and led by three points at the first change.
The Magpies bounced back in the second and kicked seven points to snatch a three point lead at half time.
Castlemaine kept the momentum rolling in the third with another three goals.
The Bulldogs made a late comeback in the final stanza but the visitors showed their class holding on to win the match by 20 points.
The Magpies retain top spot on percentage with Golden Square sitting in second place.
Jemma Finning was best on ground for Castlemaine. Eillish Cumming, Lily Den Houting, Chelsea Cole, Grace Brady and Ella Cochrane.
The Castlemaine sides will enjoy a spell this weekend as part of the competition wide King’s Birthday weekend bye before they host Sandhurst at the Camp Reserve on June 14. The Magpie Women’s Football side campaign will continue when they host Eaglehawk under lights at the Camp Reserve this Friday night June 6 at 7pm.
