Sport
17 April, 2023
Competitive outing for young Pies
Maryborough gave a good account of themselves in difficult conditions on Saturday afternoon against Castlemaine, but ultimately went down by 10 goals. A noticeably younger Magpies outfit took to the court, with the likes of Tali Chadwick, Alex...
Maryborough gave a good account of themselves in difficult conditions on Saturday afternoon against Castlemaine, but ultimately went down by 10 goals.
A noticeably younger Magpies outfit took to the court, with the likes of Tali Chadwick, Alex Williams, Millie Cassidy and Finley Wagstaff promoted to the team.
The first quarter saw Castlemaine start the better of the two teams. They were able to take a five-goal lead into the first change, scoring 13 goals, while Maryborough scored eight, with Keely Hare leading the way with seven goals.
The second quarter proved to be a good battle, with Maryborough starting to generate some good chances. Tori Chandler and Chadwick were generating some good drives into the ring, and Hare was able to take advantage, scoring 10 of Maryborough’s 11 goals for the quarter. But with Castlemaine scoring another 12, it couldn’t prevent the Magpies from traling 19-25 at the main break.
The third quarter was similar to the second, with both teams playing at the same intensity. While Castlemaine were out to seal the game, Maryborough continued to hang around and put up a dogged fight. Hare scored eight more goals, while playing-coach Jordan MacIlwain added two as they scored 10 goals for the quarter to give themselves a small chance at the final break as they trailed 29-36.
But Castlemaine started to clear away as the rain intensified, scoring 11 goals to eight in the final quarter as they were able to take a 47-37 win.
Nevertheless, there were good signs for MacIlwain’s squad in her first game as playing-coach. Chadwick gave a good account of herself at wing attack, while Hare scored 29 goals to provide a good option inside the ring.
With Castlemaine playing in finals last season, it was also pleasing to see the Pies keep pace throughout the afternoon, particularly in the second and third quarters.
The remainder of the results for the day were a mixed bag.
B grade came from behind at three-quarter-time to record a draw, scoring eight goals to six in the final quarter to finish locked on 31, while B reserve lost by eight goals, 23-31, after a tight battle. There was positive news from the 17 and under team, taking a strong 45-19 victory in their opening game of the season as they looked to back up their finals appearance from 2022.