Sport
4 November, 2025
Macedon Ranges overcome early Blazers rally
The fast-starting Maryborough Men’s Blazers were unable to protect a 14-point quarter-time lead against the second-placed Macedon Ranges Rockies, who secured their fifth win of the season with a 91-73 triumph at the Blazers’ expense.
Despite relinquishing their hard-earned lead midway through the third quarter, Maryborough had opportunities to break their losing streak as they entered the fourth quarter down by six.
However, the Rockies’ clutch gene proved to be too strong for the Blazers, who were forced to watch their first win of 2025 slip through their fingers.
Even after the Macedon Ranges overpowered Maryborough by 21 points back in round one, the Blazers were optimistic for Saturday’s trip to the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, especially with nine-time John Stringer MVP Brady Neill making his season debut after recovering from a broken finger.
Neill headlined a host of additions to the team that also included the return of Darcy Bond and James Madden, who all stepped in for Jack Skinner, Adley Morrison and Sam Byron.
Despite some struggles holding their opponents throughout the season, Maryborough’s defence was brilliant in the first quarter, forcing some early turnovers and misses that allowed the Blazers to go on the fast break, which they used effectively.
Ky Swards was a standout on the perimeter, coming up with several steals as the Blazers forced a near four-minute dry spell on field goals for their opponents.
That allowed Maryborough to end the quarter on a 17-4 run, as the Blazers led 27-13 at quarter time.
Keen to solidify their finals spot, Macedon Ranges’ sharp shooting from outside quickly sliced Maryborough’s lead to just four points early in the second period
After scoring the Blazers’ first 10 points of the match, Bailey Jacobs continued to turn everything he touched into buckets, especially from mid-range on his way to scoring 21 points in the first half.
Jacobs’ hot streak allowed Maryborough to keep Macedon Ranges at arm’s length, maintaining a five-point advantage at the change of ends.
Macedon Ranges evaporated that advantage in the second half, hitting the lead for the first time since the first quarter halfway through the third.
The Rockies threatened to pull away for good throughout the term, but some great moments from Bond and Kynan Carter, as well as a late Ollie McCarthy three-pointer, kept Maryborough in the contest, trailing 69-63 at three-quarter time.
Despite the Blazers’ best efforts, some big shots from the Rockies’ offence allowed the hosts to slowly ebb away to a 15-point lead with just under five minutes to play.
Macedon Ranges was able to see out the final stages, closing the door on Maryborough with an 18-point win.
Jacobs impressed in defeat, ending the night with 23 points, while Bond provided a valuable spark in the second half to end with 14 points. Carter arguably had his most complete offensive performance against the Rockies, finishing with 12 points.