Sport
24 June, 2024
Magpies continue good form on court
Maryborough’s seven-goal victory over Castlemaine in A reserve at Barkers Oval Princes Park served as a double-dose of importance for the Magpies. Not only were they able to restore their gap to the chasing pack outside the top five back to three...
Maryborough’s seven-goal victory over Castlemaine in A reserve at Barkers Oval Princes Park served as a double-dose of importance for the Magpies.
Not only were they able to restore their gap to the chasing pack outside the top five back to three and a half games, but the Magpies were also able to get back into a double chance spot, moving up to third after Kangaroo Flat were able to defeat Sandhurst, ahead of the Magpies’ blockbuster clash with the Kangaroos this week.
Much of Saturday’s clash was a very tight one, with neither team able to be separated at the end of the first quarter, with both teams scoring 10 goals for the term. Jordan MacIlwain scored six goals, while Megan Kelly added four.
However, the Magpies did make their move in the second quarter, and scored 14 goals to 10 for the term to move clear at the main break, leading 24-20. MacIlwain scored eight goals and Kelly scored six for the term.
The third quarter was a big one for the Magpies in the context of their season, knowing they had a chance to really cement their spot in the top three. In the end, they were able to add another 14 goals to Castlemaine’s 11 to extend their lead to seven goals by the final change, leading 38-31. Both Kelly and MacIlwain added seven goals apiece in what was proving to be an even performance from both Magpies sharpshooters.
The last quarter ended as the first started, with both sides going goal-for-goal, and eventually finishing up with 10 goals apiece, which mattered little to Maryborough as they took an important win against a Castlemaine team which fought incredibly hard.
MacIlwain scored seven goals to finish with 28 for the day, while Kelly added three to finish with 20.
B grade had a significantly tougher challenge throughout the afternoon, losing by 30 goals, 50-20, while B reserve had a similarly tough day, losing by 24 goals, 53-29.
The under 17s, however, were able to have a strong victory against a Castlemaine team which has proven to be competitive in both of their meetings this season.
The Magpies were able to hold off a late Castlemaine charge, with the second quarter proving to be the key difference-maker as they scored 16 goals to 10 to help themselves to a 44-42 win.
It’s a result which now sees the Magpies three games clear in third place as they look to cement a spot in the double chance places come finals time, while also keeping the pressure on top team Sandhurst and second-placed Golden Square.