Sport
12 May, 2026
Carisbrook put on a clinic at Maldon’s expense
Ricky Pearson, Harry Butler and Tim Rinaldi delivered a triple treat for Carisbrook, putting on a goal-kicking masterclass at Bill Woodfull Reserve during the Redbacks’ 129-point victory over Maldon.
Seemingly everything the trio touched turned to goals on Saturday, finishing with eight goals each in a uniquely dominant performance from the local products.
The Redbacks wasted no time asserting their control around the contest, with the likes of Michael Zelencich and Todd Bryant immediately giving the visitors a clearance advantage.
Despite some key interventions from Tristian Rowe, Tadgh Cananzi and Callum Buchanan, Carisbrook stormed to a 32-point lead at quarter time after seven first-term majors.
The margin continued to widen after the interval, as Rinaldi, Pearson and Butler seemed impossible to stop when the ball entered inside 50.
The trio added a magnificent nine goals during the second quarter as Carisbrook held a virtually insurmountable 83-point advantage at half time.
Despite the healthy margin, the Redbacks came out guns blazing to start the second half, scoring 37 points in the third term as Maldon’s deficit entered triple figures.
The Bombers’ fourth quarter performance was a small reward for their persistent fight and determination throughout their defeat, limiting the damage late by holding the Redbacks to 3.6 while booting 2.0 themselves.
After combining for 24 of Carisbrook’s 25 goals, Pearson, Butler and Rinaldi were easy selections for the visitors’ best players, joined by Zelencich, Bryant and Mitchell Treacy.
Rowe, Cananzi, Darcy Kelly, Buchanan, Ryan Burchell and Billy Johns were listed as the best players for Maldon. Kelly also led the Bombers’ goal-kicking with two majors, joined by Coby Bennett, Max Johns and Noah Thompson on the score sheet.