Sport
15 July, 2025
Magpies push Lexton to limit in 11-goal defeat
Campbells Creek put up a spirited fight defending their home court, however Lexton proved to be too good, holding on to an 11-goal victory.
Both sides made a host of changes after their last outing which were losses to Talbot for each team.
The Tigers called up promising shooter Charlize Kennedy and midcourter Kirsty Sizeland from B grade, with Sizeland making her season debut for A grade.
As for the Magpies, shooters Elouise Jones and Paige Langley returned to the team, replacing Tarni Williams and Molly Kennedy.
Despite the visitors being the clear favourites heading into the contest looking to clinch another finals appearance this season, Campbells Creek excelled in their role as a potential spoiler, keeping pace with Lexton in the first quarter.
Despite the Magpies’ early surge, the Tigers built a three-goal advantage by quarter time.
Kristy Hadler top scored in the first quarter with nine goals for Lexton, while shooting partner Leesa Donhardt provided some strong support with five goals.
Campbells Creek elected to start with the returning Jones and Langley as the shooting duo, ahead of the team’s leading scorer, Jemma Finning. The duo settled in quickly, with Jones scoring eight and Langley adding three.
With both teams looking to gain an advantage in the second quarter, both teams switched their lineups throughout the period.
While the Magpies utilized their bench to keep the team fresh, the Tigers swapped around the roles of their starters to try and create favourable matchups.
The changes seemed to favour Lexton, however, they couldn’t shake off Campbells Creek who only trailed by six at half time.
Even with some inaccuracy issues thanks to the defence of Katina Hawken and Lizzy Clarke, Hadler and Donhardt combined for 13 goals in the period.
The hosts used Jones, Langley and Finning as shooters in the second term, with Jones leading with six goals while Langley and Finning netted two each.
As the two teams looked for an offensive spark in the second half, changes were made at shooter with the Magpies committing to the Jones and Finning tandem while the Tigers subbed in Kennedy, pushing Donhardt to wing attack.
Despite Lexton’s midcourt of Donhardt, Ciane Van Dyken and Evelyn Reid creating more chances, some exceptional shooting from the hosts kept them in it, with the Tigers up by seven at three-quarter time.
With Hadler’s struggles continuing, Kennedy stepped up, leading with seven goals in the third period while Hadler added five.
Jones and Finning were extremely efficient, combing for 11 goals to give the Magpies a chance at one of the biggest upsets in the MCDFNL’s recent memory.
Unfortunately for Campbells Creek, David didn’t slay Goliath on this occasion, as Lexton stepped up in the crucial moments to complete the victory.
Defensive duo Brodey McKay and Sarah Griffin came in clutch for Lexton in the final term, limiting Jones and Finning to nine goals in the last 15 minutes.
Kennedy showed poise beyond her years, converting a decisive 10 goals in the last quarter, while Hadler refound her groove by making three of four shots.