The Castlemaine Magpies made the trek to Canterbury Park to take on Eaglehawk in soaking, muddy conditions on Saturday.
The match was a slog from the outset after the previous two battles in the Under 18s and Reserves, coupled with steady rain, had left the ground a muddy mess.
Both sides fought for control early with Castlemaine first to goal and the Hawks managing just seven points to lead by one point at the first change.
The Hawks stepped it up early in the second piling on three more goals to extend their lead, but the Magpies found two in reply and just eight points separated the teams at half time.
Eaglehawk continued to dominate in the third term but failed to make the most of their chances in the tricky conditions only managing one goal from six shots and had extended their advantage to 19 points at the last change.
However, Castlemaine also had the trouble converting opportunities in the final term and the Hawks eventually ran out winners by 32 points.
Best for the Magpies were new recruit Jake Stein, Riley Pedretti, Kalan Huntly, Callum McConachy, Rhys Jenkins and Hunter Staples.
In the Reserves the Magpies lost a nail-biter by just five points. The Castlemaine side led until the third term when the Hawks managed to creep in front and the home side kept the visitors scoreless in the final term to claim the win.
Best for Castlemaine were Aidan Medlyn, Brodie Browne-Kerr, Campbell McLennan, Rhys Smith, Archie Rixon and Ashton Frankling.
The Magpie Under 18s were elated to win their match by a solitary point. The match was a muddy, hard fought battle from start to finish. After leading early the Hawks fought back in the third. But the Magpies were determined not to let the opportunity slip through their fingers and shutdown the Eaglehawk’s avenues to goal in the last term and found one of their own via Jeremy Barnes in the dying stages to win by a point in a thriller.
Best were Jeremy Barnes, Patrick Leathem, Gabriel O’Sullivan, Jackson Balcombe, Caspian Lord and Timon Vellacott.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
In Women’s football action, Castlemaine also made the trek to Canterbury Park Friday night to face Eaglehawk in the Pride Round. The Magpies won the low-scoring affair by 24 points. Best were Maeve Tupper, Jemma Finning, Eillish Cumming, Tiahna Cochrane, Eloise Gretgrix and Amelia Britt.
NETBALL
On the netball court, A Reserve narrowly lost to the Hawks 38-40 despite a superb effort. B Grade lost 26-57. B Reserve lost to a dominant Hawks 15-49 and the 17&Under side turned the tide and won their clash 32 to Eaglehawk 28.
THIS WEEKEND
In Week One of the Round 14 Split Round this weekend, the Castlemaine Football Netball Club football and netball sides will host Strathfieldsaye Storm at the Camp Reserve this Saturday August 2.
The Magpie women’s football side will host Bendigo Thunder at the Camp Reserve this Sunday August 3 from 1pm.
