Sport
29 May, 2023
Natte escape Maldon with win
MALDON 8.6 (54) def by NATTE BEALIBA 7.13 (55) Natte Bealiba survived an acid test from Maldon on Saturday, sneaking home by one point in the most thrilling senior football match of the season so far. Maldon threatened a major upset in the first...

MALDON 8.6 (54) def by NATTE BEALIBA 7.13 (55)
Natte Bealiba survived an acid test from Maldon on Saturday, sneaking home by one point in the most thrilling senior football match of the season so far.
Maldon threatened a major upset in the first quarter when they jumped the Swans, kicking three goals to one behind to take a 20-point lead into the first change.
The second term was a struggle, but the Swans were able to make some inroads on the margin, kicking two goals to the Dons’ one to reduce the margin to 13 points.
The third quarter was all Natte Bealiba, as they dominated play inside the forward half, and were rewarded with 10 scoring shots. However, the Swans could only muster three goals from their good play, while Maldon, from limited opportunities, found two goals to render scores level at the final break.
The final quarter saw a plucky Maldon stay with Natte all the way, but the Swans were able to find that little bit extra and eventually took away a win by the barest of margins.
It was an incredibly brave effort by the Dons, who had lost by 157 points in their last encounter, and were appropriately given a rousing send-off by their faithful for their game.
A best on ground performance from playing-coach Trent Mortlock helped steady things for the Swans, while Austin McKenzie, Jordan Fraser, Thomas Colston, Bailey Cossar and Daniel Vadala also performed well for the Swans. Will Holt and Jye Mortlock kicked two goals each.
For Maldon, Patrick Long, Alex Farrow, Matthew Gray, Cody Gunn, Tanner Bishop and Noah Thompson played well, with Gunn leading the way with four goals, while Rhys Ford and Brodie Leonard-Shannon kicked two goals apiece.