Sport
3 June, 2025
Talbot find victory in hard-fought Newstead clash
Talbot has drawn level with Navarre and the Maryborough Giants in the battle for fourth after a 16-goal victory away to Newstead.
The Hawks welcomed back Melissa Scott and Elenoa Costello to the side on Saturday to replace Georgie Finch and Jane Costello, while Katie Tong returned for the Steaders.
Both teams were on top form to start the match, especially with their ball movement in transition through the midcourt. Talbot held a slight edge at quarter time 16-12.
Elenoa Costello made an instant impact on her return, scoring 10 goals in the first term and combining well with Phelps who netted six.
Brianna Jury started strongly for the Steaders, scoring eight goals alongside teammate Tayla Gale who added four.
The first quarter proved an appetiser for a high-scoring second term, as both sides combined to convert 35 goals.
After an entertaining 15 minutes of netball, the Hawks increased their buffer to seven goals heading into the main break.
The Hawks’ midcourt continued to find Elenoa Costello regularly, who scored 13 for the quarter while Phelps converted all six of her attempts.
Gale found more openings under the constant surveillance of Scott, leading the way with 10 goals while Jury sustained her shooting streak with six goals in the second.
With the Steaders still within touching distance, the Hawks’ defence, anchored by Scott and Jess White, stepped up in the second half, restricting Newstead to six goals as they built a comfortable 15-goal cushion by three quarter time.
Newstead’s decision to substitute Emily Cooper at goal keeper to pair with Chelsey Williams did slow down Elenoa Costello and Phelps, but they couldn’t stop them completely as Elenoa Costello scored 11 and Phelps added three.
Jury had to work hard for her five goals in the third term, while Gale scored once.
After regrouping at three quarter time, the hosts produced their most competitive quarter in the final period, but by then it was too late as Talbot secured the four points.
While Elenoa Costello top scored with 40 goals, including six in the final quarter, Phelps was just as important for the visitors, netting 23 goals with only two misses.
The pairing of Tong and Jessica Currie in the attacking midcourt gave more chances for Gale and Jury to make an impact in the final term, with Gale scoring seven and Jury converting six.