Sport
17 June, 2025
Lexton places bid for top four after Newstead victory
The Lexton Tigers have brought themselves back into double chance contention, now sitting four points away from the Maryborough Giants in fourth thanks to a 60-37 victory over Newstead.
The win is the perfect preparation for the Tigers’ upcoming date with the Giants this weekend, a contest that could have massive implications on the finals picture.
Newstead entered this game unchanged from their last fixture against Talbot, while Lexton welcomed back teenager Charlize Kennedy after showcasing some spectacular form in the under 17s.
Both teams were evenly matched in the first quarter, with the midcourters ensuring their opponents had a difficult time driving through the court consistently.
Even with defensive duo Chelsey Williams and Tahni Clark remaining stout in the first quarter, veteran Leesa Donhardt gave Lexton a two-goal cushion at quarter time thanks to 11 goals in the first term. Donhardt’s teammate Kristy Hadler supported her efforts with two goals.
Shooters Brianna Jury and Tayla Gale kept pace with Donhardt for the Steaders, with Jury scoring seven and Gale converting four.
The Tigers got off to a fantastic start in the second quarter as Hadler and Donhardt showed sniper-like accuracy under the net. After going a perfect four-for-four in the second quarter, Hadler was replaced by Kennedy at goal shooter.
Kennedy caught Hadler’s feverishly hot shooting touch, scoring five of her own while Donhardt top-scored with seven in the quarter to help the Tigers take a 29-20 advantage into half time.
Gale’s sharp shooting allowed Newstead to limit the half time deficit to nine, scoring seven goals in the period while Jury added two.
Determined to keep the Steaders at an arm’s length, the Tigers upped their defensive play in the third quarter, locking Newstead down to eight goals for the quarter to build a 16-goal buffer at three-quarter time.
Brodey McKay and Sarah Griffin ensured Jury and new shooter Emily Cooper had to earn their goals, as Cooper led the way with five and Jury scored three.
Kennedy remained hot at the other end, making 10 goals in the third term from 11 attempts while Donhardt converted five shots.
The Tigers put the finishing touches on a massive victory with a 16-9 final quarter, ending the match as victors by 23 goals.
Even after sitting out the third quarter, Hadler kept her shooting form, returning in the fourth quarter to score nine goals from 10 shots. Not to be outdone, Donhardt netted seven in the final quarter to finish with a top score of 30 for the match.
Jury finished strongly for the Steaders, making all four of her attempts in the final quarter while Cooper top-scored with five.