Sport
20 June, 2024
Netballers out to bounce back
There was a slight setback for Maryborough’s A reserve netballers last week, but an opportunity to return to a three and a half game break on the chasing back is on offer if they can defeat Castlemaine for a second time this season. The Magpies...

There was a slight setback for Maryborough’s A reserve netballers last week, but an opportunity to return to a three and a half game break on the chasing back is on offer if they can defeat Castlemaine for a second time this season.
The Magpies weren’t quite able to reel in Strathfieldsaye last week after losing the first two quarters by three goals, leaving them a little bit too much to do to chase down the Storm.
As a result of that, coupled with Sandhurst’s win, the Magpies have fallen from second to fourth.
However, they do move back to the reverse fixtures now, which will give them the opportunity to perhaps continue to build towards a potential finals appearance.
The Magpies’ first game of the season on Good Friday saw them comfortably take care of Castlemaine, winning by 18 goals.
It was the first game for many new combinations — most notably the goal circle combination of Megan Kelly and Jordan MacIlwain, as well as the combination of Tali Chadwick, Millie Cassidy and Amanda Durbridge through the midcourt.
Since then, the Magpies have arguably been even stronger since that game, with Ella Patten taking her game to a new level in A reserve this season, while Katie Bilton has provided plenty of experience through the midcourt to support the young Magpies.
Maryborough stands to benefit should they win.
Second-placed Sandhurst will host fifth-placed Kangaroo Flat, while the third-placed Storm travel to sixth-placed South Bendigo.
Either way, the Magpies, with a win, will create more breathing space relative to the chasing pack, or they could move up to the double chance spots.
B grade and B reserve will be determined to try land their first win of the season, in the meantime.
The B graders lost by just five goals in their first meeting with Castlemaine on Good Friday, and will feel confident they can find a result this time around.
B reserve, similarly, lost by just seven goals in their first meeting, and a win would do their confidence the world of good.
The under 17s will have a big assignment against the fifth-placed Castlemaine, but there will be a big reward if they are able to win — with a positive result meaning they would sit three games clear in third.
The Magpies had a terrific battle on Good Friday, eventually turning around an early deficit to win by 10 goals, and will be hoping to repeat the dose to boost their chances of securing the double chance.