Sport
22 July, 2024
Magpies fall short at final hurdle against Sandhurst
Maryborough has lost their spot in the top three on the A reserve ladder after Sandhurst overran the Magpies to win by two goals at Queen Elizabeth Oval. Although it wasn’t the result the Magpies desired, there were at least some good signs from...
Maryborough has lost their spot in the top three on the A reserve ladder after Sandhurst overran the Magpies to win by two goals at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Although it wasn’t the result the Magpies desired, there were at least some good signs from a team who will likely experience finals netball at the same venue, and adjusted well to the finals-like atmosphere for much of the day.
In particular, it was the start which would have pleased the Magpies most, with a 13-goal to eight term allowing the Magpies to jump out to a five-goal lead. Jordan MacIlwain was doing a lot of damage, scoring eight goals, while Meg Kelly scored five goals.
The Magpies midcourt was forcing plenty of pressure, with Sandhurst immediately changing their midcourt rotation, while Maggie Tranter and Ella Patten were working well defensively.
The second quarter was a bit of a stalemate, with the Magpies working to preserve their five-goal lead as they scored nine goals apiece. MacIlwain was enjoying a standout half in front of goal, scoring on seven occasions, while Kelly scored twice.
However, the Dragons are still in the mix for a reason, and they showcased their best netball in the third term to roar back into the game, scoring 10 goals, while holding the Magpies to six for the term. Kelly and MacIlwain scored three apiece.
It was game on in the final quarter as Maryborough sought to maintain their hold on the double chance, but it wasn’t to be, as Sandhurst took the advantage in what was a high-scoring final term, scoring 14 goals to 11 to ensure they would pinch the four points with a 41-39 win.
MacIlwain scored four goals to finish with 22, while Kelly finished strongly with seven goals to score 17 for the day.
All-round, it was a tough day for Maryborough, unable to take victory in any of their four matches.
B grade was unable to stop Sandhurst from scoring an 80-22 victory, while B reserve had a reasonably competitive perfor-mance, scoring 30 goals in an 86-30 loss.
The 17 and under team had a difficult task in a showdown between first and third, and the Magpies did acquit themselves well, but it was not enough to prevent Sandhurst from winning by 29 goals, in what was a 55-26 loss.