Sport
22 July, 2025
Talbot inches closer to the top four after disposing of Maldon
The Talbot Hawks have flown to their sixth victory in seven games, completing the season double over Maldon with a 40-goal win.
The Hawks are now level on points with the Maryborough Giants, who currently hold the last double chance spot in fourth, setting up some serious stakes for Talbot’s upcoming road trip to reigning premiers Avoca, with the Giants having the bye.
While Talbot entered this match unchanged from the team that defeated Harcourt in round 13, Maldon’s key defender Claire Hamilton and B grade standout Chelsea McKimmie were welcomed back to A grade, providing some needed depth with Theresa Buchanan and Alice McManus unavailable.
With their mindset on building a comfortable lead quickly, the Hawks were guns blazing to start the match, moving the ball at a torrid pace across the court.
Despite a strong shooting performance from Maldon, Talbot commanded the opening quarter, creating a 12-goal lead at the first break.
Elenoa Costello was automatic in the opening stages, starting her account with 14 straight shots hitting the bottom of the net. Costello’s teammate, Eleisha Phelps, assisted her efforts with five goals of her own.
With a noticeable lead following the first period, the Hawks began to shift their lineup, keeping their match sharpness while resting players and experimenting with their team ahead of their finals run.
The Bombers also made some changes throughout the second quarter, but it couldn’t stop the hosts from matching their first-quarter output, scoring another 19 goals.
The newly introduced Jane Costello combined with Jess White to allow just four goals in the second quarter, stretching Talbot’s lead to 27 goals at half time.
While Jane was making an impact on defence, fellow Costello, Elenoa, remained a threat under the goal, scoring 13 goals, while Phelps went a perfect six for six in the quarter.
Keen to limit the margin in the second half, Maldon showed noticeable improvement to start the half, particularly on defence, with Gabrielle Kelly remaining at goal keeper while being supported by Hamilton and Emma Webb.
Even with the Bombers increasing their defensive pressure, the Hawks remained in control, increasing their lead to 35 goals at three-quarter time.
With Elenoa Costello resting in the third quarter, Phelps picked up her scoring load with 11 goals in the third period. Shianne Milera was moved from the midcourt to partner Phelps, adding three.
Talbot put the finishing touches on their strong victory in a more competitive final term, outscoring Maldon 13-8 in the last 15 minutes.
For the first time since round nine, White was moved into goal shooter in the last period, impressing with 10 goals while Milera scored three.