Sport
26 May, 2026
Natte topple Maldon to claim latest scalp
Natte Bealiba’s faultless start to 2026 remains unblemished, producing another outstanding performance in an 85-30 victory over Maldon.
The Bombers were highly competitive in the fourth quarter thanks to a sudden offensive surge. Yet it preceded a ruthless display from the Swans, who scored 68 goals in the first three quarters.
B grade standouts Kayla Stewart and Alex Williams were called up to Natte's A grade squad for Saturday's contest, coming in for Eve Mortlock.
As for Maldon, defender Gabrielle Kelly returned to a team hoping to build upon their encouraging defensive performance against Trentham.
Natte’s star-studded midcourt of Ella Tranter, Chloe Ross and Ebony Raven wasted no time giving the visitors a definitive edge at Bill Woodfull Reserve.
The trio pierced through Maldon’s structure with surgical precision, allowing shooters Sian Mortlock and Chelsea Ross to capitalise on a constant parade of chances.
Maldon tried to match Natte’s scorching offensive tempo early, but too many of their rushed attacks ended in the hands of opposing defenders Naomi Medlyn and Ellie Martin or fell harmlessly out of bounds.
The Swans persistently pounced on those turnovers, already boasting an 18-goal advantage at quarter time.
The short interval provided no rest bite for the Bombers, with the second term resulting in an identical score line to the first quarter.
Despite only playing in her fourth A grade match, Chelsea Ross was a constant threat in the goal circle. Assisted by the guidance of Sian Mortlock, the teenager routinely broke away from her marker with her assured off-ball movement, making the life of her midcourters even easier.
Another 23-5 quarter allowed the Swans to take a commanding 36-goal lead into half time.
Led by Eva Gross, who marked Chelsea Ross during the second half in Maldon’s 18 and under victory earlier in the day, Charlotte Harrison and Claire Kelly, the Bombers began to show improve-ments in the second half, parti-cularly with their ball movement.
However, those positive steps didn’t immediately reflect on the scoreboard, as the Swans produced another dominant quarter to lead by 52 goals at the final change.
Maldon began to bear the fruits of their labour during the fourth quarter, with Kelly, Harrison and Rory Baker holding their own against Natte’s stacked midcourt.
Following a sharpshooting cameo in the second quarter, Sophie Zammit was virtually automatic shooting for goal in the closing stages, which concurrently emboldened fellow shooters Laney McNeill and Alannah Furmston to go on a late scoring run.
Maldon’s 14 fourth-quarter goals are their highest tally in a period all season, a major bright spot in an otherwise convincing victory for Natte Bealiba.
Chelsea Ross continues to excel following her unexpected A grade call-up, reaching a new senior landmark with 41 goals alongside top-scorer Sian Mortlock, who converted 44 of her 52 shots.
Zammit, Furmston and McNeill shared the scoring load for Maldon, headlined by Zammit’s 10 goals at an impressive shooting percentage of 83 percent.
McNeill led the Bombers by netting 11 shots, while co-captain Furmston scored a formidable nine goals.