Once again the Camp Reserve looked at its best on a glorious autumn day as Castlemaine welcomed South Bendigo on Saturday.
The Magpie Seniors went into the match with five missing from the winning lineup against Kangaroo Flat, including John Watson, Dylan Landt and Zac Derksen. However, the side was pleased to welcome back Darby Semmens and Brodie Byrne from injury, while Ben McConachy, Bodhi Robinson and Curtis McLennan played their first senior game for 2026.
South came ready to play and got the jump on Castlemaine in the first quarter scoring 6.7 to 1.2, heading into the second with a lead of 35 points. Castlemaine matched it with South in the second quarter with a score 3.5 to 3.6 but were still 36 points behind at half-time.
Michael Hartley headed into defence as play resumed in a move that paid off instantly, and a major reason for Castlemaine getting back into the game and providing accountability for the younger boys.
The third saw the boys come into their own and hold South goalless, the side only scraping up seven points, while the Magpies scored four goals themselves and bridged the gap to 17 points at the final change.
The Magpies fought the last quarter out with some tired boys, trailing South by as little as 11 points at one stage. However, in an unlucky reversal of fortunes South kicked six goals to the Magpies’ three to win the clash by 36 points.
The Magpies lost Brodie Browne Kerr early in the game, which meant rotations were down. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery.
Best for the Magpies were Michael Hartley, Bailey Henderson with three goals, Callum McConachy, Harrison Sheahan, Ashton Frankling and Oscar Giddings.
South Bendigo sits top of the table, Castlemaine dropping to fourth.
The Ressie boys went into the game against a very even and well drilled South side, who no doubt will be at the top end of the ladder come September. The task for the team wasn’t made any easier when a couple of late withdrawals saw some boys called up to the Seniors. Zane Doherty was solid all day, Campbell McLennan was strong in defence and Patrick Leathem showed great skills. It was wonderful to see the return of the CDCA cricketer of the year Declan Slingo, who got a lot of the ball. Wilson and Alec Staples and Jack Nuttall battled hard all afternoon. Despite a valiant effort the side went down by 110 points.
The boys can now enjoy a break, regroup and come back ready to join the winners list.
Best were Zane, Campbell, Patty, Wilson, Dec and Jack.
The Under 18s came up against a very good side in South Bendigo. The Magpies kept hard at it all day and never gave up the chase but eventually went down by 71 points.
A solid effort from Jack Archer who slotted through three valuable goals and had him named as best on.
Other top contributors were Fraser McAinch, Zac Thompson, Josh Tull Logan Browne-Kerr and Alex Welch.
Women’s Football
The Magpie Senior Women’s Football side made the trek north Friday evening to tackle Sandhurst at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Castlemaine opened their account with a three-goal-to-one point opening term and led at every change to win by 42 points in a low-scoring affair.
Best for the Magpies were Alice D’Arcy, Tia Davidge, Maeve Tupper, Mikayla Gellatly, Paynton Jolliffe with four goals, and Amelia Britt.
Netball
The Magpie sides had a challenging day on the netball court against South Bendigo but gave every contest 110 per cent.
A Grade lost 29-79. The incentive award went to Tegan Maddern.
A Reserve lost 39 to 54 in a close battle. Best on was Paige Mitchener.
B Grade lost 27 to 58. Best was Charley Pedretti.
B Reserve lost 17 to 52. Best was Mikayla Gunther.
17 & Under lost 22 to 75. Best was Milla Berry.
15 & Under lost 29 to 53. Best was Taya Kennedy.
Castlemaine FNC has a rest this Anzac weekend and will be back on May 2 when they take on Strathfieldsaye at Triple MMM Park.