The Trentham Saints have claimed the 2025 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League premiership cup after a gutsy performance against the powerhouse Carisbrook Redbacks at the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.
The Saints were out for redemption after last year’s disappointing grand final loss at the hands of Natte Bealiba and certainly did not fail their loyal Sainters fans on Saturday – rising to the occasion to defeat the Redbacks in a low-scoring battle.
Both sides took a while to settle the finals nerves and register a score on the board.
At quarter-time Trentham 1.1 trailed Carisbrook 1.3 by two points.
The Saints lifted in the second kicking three goals to the Brooks one to lead by eight points at half-time.
Trentham kicked three more in the third and held the Redbacks to one to extend their lead to 18 points at the final change.
Carisbrook kicked two more goals in the final term in a bid to claw their way back, but the Saints found another and ran out deserving winners by 11 points.
One the big success stories for Trentham was the mid-season recruitment of former North Melbourne star Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey, who has an all-time record 432 AFL games behind him.
The 47-year-old kicked four goals in Trentham’s narrow preliminary final win, and kicked two in the grand final against Carisbrook.
A great ‘out of retirement’ story for the Saints who won their last flag by beating Talbot back in 1994.
Saints veteran Mark Strickland was also outstanding kicking two crucial goals from 40 metres out in the critical stages in what may be his final Senior game for the club.
Best for the Saints were Alister Ferrier, Joel Dovaston, Taylor Ford, Brent Harvey, Zachary Gervasoni, Joel Cowan.
Best for the Redbacks were Jackson Bowen, Adam Hurse, Andrew Toan, Nicholas Wright, Todd Bryant and Brady Neill.
In the Reserves the Talbot Hawks defeated Carisbrook Redbacks to claim the ultimate prize.
Carisbrook got on the front foot early and led the match right up to half-time where just one point separated the teams.
But the Hawks found that something extra in the third term kicking two goals to the redbacks one to snatch the lead.
At three-quarter-time Talbot led by one straight kick.
The Hawks kicked two more critical goals the final term, while holding the home side to a solitary point to run out winners by 18 points and claim the flag.
Despite the disappointment of the First and Seconds losses, the Carisbrook 17.5s side stood tall and claimed premiership glory against local rivals Maryborough Giants to the tune of 33 points.
The 14.5s premiership match between Carisbrook and Trentham was a see-sawing affair from start to finish with the Redbacks eventually running out winners by 14 points.
Best for Carisbrook were Billy Rumpff, Isaac Jennings, Hunter Tatchell, Jimmy Hurse, Rory Sanders and Mason Farrugia.
Best for the valiant Saints were Jackson Wales, Jay Leong, Darcy Thompson, Luke stringer, Hayden Kost and Harley Thompson.
The 11.5s footy champions were Talbot who defeated Navarre in a tight contest.
NETBALL
On the netball court the A Grade champions for 2025 were the Avoca Bulldogs 72 who recorded a strong victory over Talbot 55.
In the B Grade showdown Carisbrook 31 just edged out Maryborough Giants 29.
C Grade saw Natte Bealiba 51 have a big win over Maryborough Giants 25.
The 17 & Under Netball champions are Maryborough Giants 40 which defeated Avoca 16.
In the 15 & Under Netball a valiant Newstead side 23 lost to a determined Avoca 31. Best for the Steaders in a wonderful team effort were Goal Attack Sophia Britt and Goal Shooter Scarlett Ramsey who gave their all until the final whistle.
In the 13 & Under Netball Newstead 30 turned the the tables defeating Talbot 16 to bring home the trophy! This was the third premiership for these Junior Joeys! The future is certainly bright for Newstead netball! Best for the Steaders in an incredible final performance were Scarlett Ramsey, Remi Barker and Pip Sheedy.
In the 11 & Under Netball the young Natte Bealiba Swans 13 had a narrow win over the Talbot Hawks 10.
