Sport
14 August, 2023
Magpies overwhelmed by South Bendigo in second-half surge
Although Maryborough had an extremely competitive first half, it was not enough to prevent South Bendigo from running all over the Magpies in the second half, winning by 125 points. The Magpies played with plenty of flair early in the game, and were...
Although Maryborough had an extremely competitive first half, it was not enough to prevent South Bendigo from running all over the Magpies in the second half, winning by 125 points.
The Magpies played with plenty of flair early in the game, and were quite competitive early on, garnering a couple of shots on goal. However, it only resulted in two behinds for their efforts.
The Bloods then kicked the first three goals of the game, but Jake Lohmann, making his return, was able to provide a spark, kicking their first goal after a strong mark inside 50.
A few minutes afterwards, Kaian Constable was able to get on the scoreboard for the first time for the afternoon, finishing off a strong attacking foray, and the Magpies were well in the game, trailing by just one goal at the first break.
South Bendigo kicked the opening four goals of the term as they peppered their forward zone, but Maryborough’s response was rather impressive. Bailey Jacobs got on the scoreboard after a strong mark inside 50, then Luke Dunne got on the end of a quick kick inside 50 to add a second consecutive goal as the Magpies hit back.
It was proving to be a game of scoring chains. South Bendigo kicked the next two, but then Constable weaved through the pack to kick his second of the afternoon, before a long bomb from Matt Johnston helped keep the Magpies very much in touch at half time, trailing by 22 points.
Unfortunately for the Magpies, this was as close as they were going to get for the remainder of the afternoon.
The Bloods were fired up at the main break, and were able to run all over the Magpies, just as they did in the preceding encounter in round seven, kicking 10 goals in the third term to no score to turn their 22-point half time lead into an 87-point margin at the final change.
South Bendigo continued on their ruthless ways in the final term, kicking another eight goals to two in the final term to eventually take their 125-point win, with Lohmann and Jacobs the two Magpies to hit the scoreboard.
Joel Swatton played a workmanlike game in the midfield, as did Lohmann, while Brady Neill, Constable, Nic Swan and Alex Brown were also named in the best.
Elsewhere, it was a mixed bag for the Magpies. The reserves had a tricky task, and lost by 190 points to the Bloods, while the under 18s have all-but secured their spot in the finals, scoring their 10th win of the season with a 17-point success against the Bloods. That result sees them two games and percentage clear of fifth-placed Strathfieldsaye and sixth-placed Kangaroo Flat with two games to go, and the Magpies can seal their place once and for all with a win against the Storm next week.