Sport
4 August, 2026
Clements leads Dunolly past valiant Magpies
After a major first quarter scare, Dunolly eventually cruised past Campbells Creek to earn their fifth consecutive victory with a 66-46 triumph.
As her team returned from the quarter time break trailing by two goals, Eagles player-coach Lara Clements transformed into a goal machine, finishing with a season-best 50 goals to ensure her team enters this weekend’s potential elimination final preview with Talbot full of confidence.
Despite being without versatile captain Taylah Sartori, it was the underdog Magpies who generated the first breakthrough.
After taking full advantage of a sudden centre break, the persistent defensive efforts of Phoebe Jones and Reagan Fulford alongside a strong start from shooters Heni Moeke and Claire Jones ensured Campbells Creek generated an early two-goal lead.
Interceptions from the tenacious Ruby Lang and Ashlee Lierich threatened to scrub the Magpies’ advantage, but with teenager Chloe Roser impressing on her A grade debut alongside Peyton McMillan in a potent Campbells Creek midcourt, the hosts restored their narrow buffer by quarter time.
Just as Campbells Creek believed they could convert an outstanding opening term into a major upset, the Eagles regrouped at the interval and hurt those ambitions.
With defenders Lierich and Demcy Fraser having more luck intervening entry passes into the goal circle while Charlotte Liddicoat and Mel Schodde limited turnovers in the midcourt, Clements and Hannah Kenny were given ample opportunities to pull the Eagles ahead.
Dunolly’s shooting tandem delivered with 17 goals in the second quarter, allowing the visitors to enter half time with a six-goal advantage.
Hoping to recapture the magic of the first quarter, Campbells Creek made several attacking changes at the main break to moderate success.
With Moeke liking well with McMillan after shifting to wing attack, the Magpies’ new shooter, Fulford, flourished in her new role.
However, Dunolly’s Clements fuelled train showed no signs of slowing down, doubling their lead in the third quarter to reach the final interval up 43-31.
While the visiting Eagles had the final result well secured, both teams threw caution to the wind in the fourth quarter, resulting in an entertaining end to a competitive contest.
Spearheaded by Dunolly’s Clements and Campbells Creek’s Claire Jones, the two sides combined for a remarkable 38 goals in the last 15 minutes. The Eagles scored 23 of those 38 goals to finish with a season-high 66 goals.
While Clements was instrumental to Dunolly’s highest game tally in over two years, Hannah Kenny also contributed 16 goals to the cause.
Assisted by an outstanding fourth quarter, Claire Jones led Campbells Creek in scoring with 21 goals, well supported by Moeke, who also converted 11 shots.
Fulford ended an efficient shooting cameo with nine goals while Phoebe Jones added five in the final quarter.