The Castlemaine Magpies Reserves have taken the next step in the Bendigo Football Netball League finals series after winning their elimination final against Eaglehawk on Sunday at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Both teams took some time to shake off the finals nerves before the Hawks finally goaled via Ryan Wellington.
The Magpies found a quick reply through Wilson Staples, Eaglehawk let a couple more chances slip through their fingers before kicking their third deep into the quarter to hold a six-point lead at quarter-time.
The second term descended into a scrap and goals were hard to come by. The Hawks eventually pegged one through off the boot of Jordy Holland to extend their lead to 12 points at half-time.
The arm wrestle continued in the third as both sides battled to find an edge. The Magpies finally broke through with a much-needed goal to Curtis McLennan, followed by another to teammate Riley Pedretti. Eaglehawk fought back but only managed a point, before Curtis McLennan kicked another for the Magpies on the siren to see them grab a five-point lead with a quarter to play.
Sensing victory, the Magpies threw everything they had at the Hawks in the final term and with goals to Wilson Staples and Aidan Goddard ran out winners by 17 points.
Best for the Magpies were Riley Pedretti, Rhys Smith, Campbell McLennan, Bodhi Robinson, Oscar Giddings and Wilson Staples.
The Castlemaine side will now refocus and regroup before they tackle second-placed South Bendigo in the first semi final at the Queen Elizabeth Oval this Sunday September 7 at 12.15pm with a spot in the preliminary final up for grabs.
Meanwhile the Castlemaine Magpie Women’s Football side enjoyed a week’s rest before they tackle AFL Central Vic preliminary final winners Golden Square in this Friday night’s grand final showdown. Be sure to catch our double page grand final spread in our sister paper, the Castlemaine Mail, this Friday September 5 with the Magpie women chasing their fourth consecutive flag!
The Castlemaine Magpie Under 12 side has also secured a spot in the Bendigo Junior Football League grand final after their qualifying final win over Huntly last Sunday. The side winning the match by seven points. They will now enjoy a week’s rest before their September 13 clash.
The Castlemaine Magpie Under 14 side’s qualifying final result was still pending at the time of going to press.
