Sport
27 June, 2024
Blockbuster showdown for spot in BFNL top three
A big test for Maryborough this weekend, with an enormous game against Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park looking likely to test the Magpies’ credentials for a double-chance spot in the A reserve competition. As it stands at the moment, the Magpies are...
A big test for Maryborough this weekend, with an enormous game against Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park looking likely to test the Magpies’ credentials for a double-chance spot in the A reserve competition.
As it stands at the moment, the Magpies are currently a game ahead of the Kangaroos, who sit in fifth position, but also sit half a game ahead of Sandhurst in fourth.
With Sandhurst travelling to the undefeated Gisborne, this game represents a big opportunity for the Magpies, with a win leaving them a game and a half ahead of the Dragons and two games ahead of the Kangaroos.
That will be easier said than done, however, with the Magpies having to settle for a draw last time out at home.
While the Magpies had a terrific chance to take the four points, sitting six goals up after a fantastic third quarter which yielded 14 goals to eight, the Kangaroos are a powerhouse in the competition for a reason, getting back into the game to snatch a share of the points.
Nevertheless, the key for Maryborough has been their ability to grow in recent weeks.
While dynamic defender Ella Patten has starred this season, she sat out Saturday’s game against Castlemaine, with Chloe Egan and Maggie Tranter doing a great job in limiting the Castlemaine attackers to just 41 goals.
The midcourt of Millie Cassidy, Tali Chadwick, Katie Bilton and Amanda Durbridge continue to gel extremely well, moving the ball with purpose and giving Megan Kelly and Jordan MacIlwain the best opportunities to score.
Both Kelly and MacIlwain performed very well throughout, particularly in the second and third quarters when the Magpies were able to shoot clear. MacIlwain had an outstanding performance in front of goal, finishing with 28, while Kelly scored 20.
The Kangaroos will pose a big challenge, especially given their accomplished netball program which has seen them constantly challenge at A grade level, and were indeed able to help the Magpies jump up to third last week courtesy of a three-goal win over Sandhurst.
It appears almost certain that the Magpies will play finals, but they will be keen to ensure that they will figure as a major factor, particularly if they can secure a standout result here.
Elsewhere, B grade will have a tricky assignment against the third-placed Flat, and have continued to go through winless after a 30-goal loss to Castlemaine last week, while B reserve are in a similar position, albeit with the Kangaroos sitting in fifth.
The under 17s will be favoured to take victory against Flat, who are currently winless in the competition, and with fourth-placed Gisborne coming up against the unbeaten Sandhurst, the Magpies could continue marching on towards securing the double chance.
They currently sit three games ahead of both the Bulldogs and fifth-placed Castlemaine, who play lower-ranked opposition in South Bendigo, and a win would keep the Magpies well and truly in the box seat to secure a passage to at least the second week of the finals for a second time in three seasons.