Sport
7 July, 2026
Campbells Creek secures first victory of 2026
Campbells Creek denied Maldon a long-awaited victory in dramatic circumstances at Bill Woodfull Reserve, securing their first win of 2026 with a 47-44 triumph.
Heading into three-quarter time up by a goal, the Bombers looked poised to win their first A grade match since August 17, 2024.
Yet, their dreamy destiny turned into a nightmare thanks to Taylah Sartori, Peyton McMillan, Claire Jones and the rest of the swooping Magpies, who retook the lead and held on at the death.
After falling agonisingly short against Maryborough the week prior, the final whistle was a release of euphoric retribution for Campbells Creek, who look to end their season on a high note.
Alongside returning shooter Millie King, Campbells Creek called up Carly Haddock from B grade to replace the versatile Taylah Sartori in the midcourt, allowing the Magpies captain to start in defence.
Despite being without Theresa Buchanan and Claire Hamilton, Maldon entered Saturday’s match quietly confident, bringing in Heidi Brookes to solidify their defensive depth.
After early shooting woes hampered both teams, the Bombers quickly generated a noticeable gap, using the lob pass to great effect across the court.
Haddock and McMillan ensured Campbells Creek were also driving the netball into their attacking third, but Maldon defenders Brookes and Laney McNeill were routinely parrying passes away, often frustrating the Magpies into a mistake.
A late rally helped save the Magpies’ blushes, but Maldon found themselves on top by three goals at quarter time and maintained their offensive groove after the interval.
MCDFNL junior representative Rory Baker was a reliable outlet for defenders to start attacks that often finished with shooters Alannah Furmston and Sophie Zammit capitalising on Claire Kelly and Charlotte Harrison’s entry passes.
Despite their offensive efficiency, the Bombers relinquished the lead late in the first half thanks to Campbells Creek’s 16 second-quarter goals.
Following a wonky opening term, Claire Jones and Heni Moeke recalibrated their shooting accuracy to hand the Magpies the narrowest of leads at half time, up 26-25.
While Maldon brought back Brookes at goal keeper following a second quarter breather, the Magpies subbed in King at goal shooter and switched Sartori into goal defence for Reagan Fulford, who stepped into wing defence.
Sartori’s half time position change further solidified her role as Campbells Creek’s defensive general, constantly communicating with her teammates and generating several takeaways.
With Brookes reunited alongside McNeill, chances were also drying up for the Magpies, with both teams requiring proficiency to gain a definitive edge.
After Furmston and Zammit helped the Bombers take a one-goal lead into three-quarter time, Campbells Creek began to creep away in the fourth quarter courtesy of a revamped attack.
With King shooting well after coming off the bench, Moeke was moved into wing attack, giving her more freedom to involve herself in attacking advances alongside McMillan and dictate the game’s tempo.
While Moeke and McMillan created the opportunities, King and Claire Jones showed incredible composure with those chances, combining for 13 goals in the final quarter as the Magpies held on.
Claire Jones picked the perfect time to conjure a season-high 25 goals from just 30 attempts, while King provided a second-half punch with 11 goals deputising for Moeke, who also scored 11.
Zammit and Furmston were valiant in defeat, powering the Bombers to their highest score of the season with 24 and 20 goals respectively.