Sport
25 May, 2023
Biggest test yet for Magpie netballers
The tests in the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) don’t come much tougher than an A grade netball assignment against Sandhurst at the Queen Elizabeth Oval. However, that is precisely the test that Maryborough has to face this weekend...

The tests in the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) don’t come much tougher than an A grade netball assignment against Sandhurst at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
However, that is precisely the test that Maryborough has to face this weekend.
Thankfully, the Magpies are coming into this game with winning form behind them, having taken a 19-goal victory against Golden Square in their last start two weeks ago, prior to the league-wide bye.
Pleasingly, the Magpies were also able to score at will in that encounter, finishing with 73 goals for the game.
It was a standout day for the younger brigade, with Tali Chadwick playing well at wing attack with her delivery inside the goal circle, while Finley Wagstaff was another to impress throughout the afternoon with her defensive work.
Keely Hare was able to score 42 goals for the afternoon, while Jordan MacIlwain added another 31.
The challenge for the Magpies this week is to contain the offensive power of the all-conquering Sandhurst machine, who remain undefeated.
But they do have some recent history in being able to remain competitive with the Dragons.
In round seven last year, the Magpies kept pace with the Dragons throughout the opening half, trailing by 11 goals at the main break, but Sandhurst proved too strong throughout the third quarter to eventually take a 22-goal victory.
At the time, it was the most competitive game provided by an opponent apart from eventual runners-up Kangaroo Flat.
The second meeting saw Sandhurst prove much too strong as they warmed up for finals, taking a 38-goal victory, scoring 63 goals to 29 after the first change.
Maryborough will be looking to stay competitive ahead of a season-defining two-game homestand to come, with games against South Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye that will shape whether they can remain a contender for the top five in 2023.