Sport
2 June, 2026
Natte continue undefeated record at Harcourt’s expense
Natte Bealiba enters the King’s Birthday long weekend break with their undefeated record intact after vanquishing Harcourt in a hotly-contested 51-27 victory.
Despite being without midcourt general Morgan Howorth and reliable defender Carly Chaplin, the visiting Lions battled hard in treacherous conditions at CHS Broadbent Oval. Still, the Swans used a dominant early run as a catapult to their seventh consecutive victory.
With two key contributors unavailable, Harcourt turned to B grade standout Kate Blake and stalwart Jess Chaplin to bolster their depth.
Harcourt’s leading scorer Jordan Bagley was forced to swap goal circles in Carly Chaplin’s absence, starting at goal keeper, while Jess Chaplin slotted into goal shooter.
Natte Bealiba also entered this contest with some major team news, as Annalyse Carroll made her debut in red and white. Darci Rodgers joined Carroll in the inclusions for the Swans, who returned after last playing against Carisbrook back in round two.
Powered by some exceptional plays from star midcourter Ella Tranter, the Swans wasted no time asserting their dominance, going on a blistering 5-0 run to start the contest.
The Lions eventually began to showcase their competitiveness, led by Laura Suckling’s excellent defensive interventions and Ursula van Dyk’s tireless efforts in the midcourt.
However, Natte shooters Sian Mortlock and Chelsea Ross ensured the hosts boasted an eight-goal lead at quarter time.
After coming off midway through the first term due to slipping on the noticeably wet court, Bagley made an impactful return off the bench following the interval, helping Suckling to keep Mortlock, Ross and Carroll to just 11 goals in the second quarter.
While the Lions continued to struggle with turnovers, the shooting of Jarrenhy Webb was providing her team a steady stream of goals, resulting in a combative end to the first half.
Not content with their 11-goal half time buffer, Natte Bealiba kicked into another gear to start the second half.
With Ellie Martin and Naomi Medlyn shutting down service to Webb and their vaunted midcourt transitioning the ball down the court in a flash, the Swans extended the margin to a more convincing 22 goals at three-quarter time.
After being outscored 14-3 in the third quarter, the Lions were determined to end the match on a high note, returning to the competitive form they showcased in the second quarter.
However, it didn’t stop the Swans from extending Harcourt’s winless run and drawing themselves within 1.04 percent of reigning premiers Avoca at the top of the table.
Despite some uncharacteristic spells of shooting inaccuracy, Mortlock ended the match as the game’s highest scorer with 25 goals, well supported by teenager Ross’ 18 and newcomer Carroll’s eight.
With Bagley forced into an unfamiliar defensive duty, Webb stepped up for Harcourt with a season-best 20 goals. Blake and Jess Chaplin were the other scorers for the Lions, adding four and three respectively.