Sport
19 August, 2025
Fast-starting Carisbrook hold off Lexton by 14 goals
Carisbrook has added another statement victory to their resume just ahead of finals, taking full advantage of a quick start that caught Lexton off guard and never looked back on their way to a 14-goal victory.
It was the Redbacks’ 13th win of the season and will give them a hit of confidence ahead of their qualifying final encounter against one team they didn’t beat this season, Natte Bealiba.
While the defeat didn’t alter the Tigers’ top four chances thanks to the Maryborough Giants’ upset victory over Natte, it does move them into sixth, setting up an elimination final with the team they just defeated before they faced Carisbrook in Navarre.
With both teams known for utilising their bench depth throughout their matches, this looked to be another intriguing encounter between two teams who have a lot of recent history together.
Carisbrook’s defensive trio of Ella Patten, Finley Wagstaff and Chloe Egan gave the visitors the upper hand in the first quarter, stifling the Tigers’ chances of making an early impact on the scoreboard.
Their shooters, Abbey Nalder and Jordan McClure, had no such problems, combining to score 14 goals in the first quarter to help build an eight-goal lead at quarter time.
Rising star Charlize Kennedy led Lexton in scoring after the first period with five goals, while Leesa Donhardt added one and the usually dependable Kristy Hadler missed her first three attempts on goal.
The Tigers stuck with their mid-quarter switches in the first period in the second term, helping to stem the damage from the first quarter.
However, Katie Bilton and Laura Hurse ensured the Redbacks remained on top in the midcourt, extending their lead to 11 goals at half time.
McClure also played a key role in increasing their advantage by making all seven of her shots in the second quarter, while Nalder continued to lead the way with nine goals.
Kennedy showed composure beyond her years, helping the Tigers maintain a fighter’s chance with 10 goals in the second period. Donhardt deferred well to Kennedy when needed, also adding three goals herself.
Keen to earn their biggest scalp of the season ahead of finals, Lexton continued their improvement as the game rolled into the second half.
Their defence in particular, anchored by Sarah Griffin and Brodey McKay, was limiting McClure and Nalder from making a sustained impact by denying several entry passes.
Despite that, the hosts couldn’t gain any ground on the scoreboard, with the Redbacks still in a very favourable position up by 12 goals at three-quarter time.
Nalder upped her shooting accuracy in the third quarter, making eight of her nine shots while McClure went four for five.
Kennedy continued to thrive as the main option for the Tigers, top-scoring for the quarter with nine goals, while Donhardt converted both of her shots.
Despite having some strong moments in the fourth quarter, Lexton’s deficit was too much to overcome, as Carisbrook expertly finished out the game to secure a 57-43 win.
A consistent avenue for goals all game, Nalder finished as the game’s leading scorer with 35 goals, including nine in the last term.
Even with a slightly cooler fourth period, McClure was close behind Nalder with 22 goals, allowing the pair to finish fourth and fifth in the MCDFNL goalscoring charts.
With the Redbacks heavily focused on Kennedy, Donhardt was given more room in the goal circle and she punished the Redbacks with 10 goals in the final quarter.
Hadler added two in the term while Kennedy made one, finishing as the Tigers’ top scorer with 25 goals.