Sport
30 June, 2026
Talbot returns to form against Newstead
Following an unsavoury two-month stretch of netball, Talbot looked back to their dominant best against Newstead, securing a confidence-boosting 28-goal victory.
While Jane Dikini, Melissa Scott and Maddy Williams produced an astounding defensive performance, Elenoa Costello and Loren Aquilina led a venomous attack reminiscent of their early-season form before key injuries and a brutal run of fixtures sent the Hawks on an unexpected detour.
Saturday’s victory has placed Talbot back on track, leaping into seventh while Newstead once again trails the top eight by four points ahead of their crucial fixture with Dunolly.
Looking to build upon their 22-goal victory over Campbells Creek, the Steaders started well against the Hawks, with defenders Layla Benson-Zepnick and Amelia Britt limiting early touches for Costello and Aquilina.
Despite the defensive duo’s interventions, the visitors found themselves behind early as Talbot’s defensive triumvirate swarmed Newstead’s attackers.
Scott, Dikini and Williams allowed just five goals in the opening 15 minutes as the Hawks entered quarter time up by six goals.
While their defenders built the early platform, Talbot’s offence quickly amplified their lead with a magnificent second quarter.
After suffering from a case of the shooting yips last week against Natte Bealiba, Aquilina was on fire at Talbot Recreation Reserve, linking well with midcourters Portia Hughes and Tina Wardlaw to provide opportunities for Costello while adding a reliable scoring touch herself.
The Steaders tried everything to stay within touching distance, but 17 second-quarter goals coinci-dentally gave Talbot a commanding 17-goal lead.
As they have done on numerous occasions this season, the Hawks turned to their rising stars to provide a second-half lift, with Charli Kaye subbing in at goal attack while fellow teenager Louella Roche reduced Aquilina’s new workload at centre.
Despite their dispiriting second term, it was Newstead who returned from the main break in control, breaking up Talbot’s newfound attacking chemistry.
While the defensive prowess of Scott and Williams ensured the Hawks remained comfortably ahead, the accurate shooting of Brianna Jury helped Newstead win a low-scoring third quarter 7-6.
Unsatisfied with the previous quarter, Talbot dominated the closing stages, completing a key victory by outscoring the Steaders 19-7 in the fourth quarter.
Kaye began to generate space in the attacking midcourt, scoring eight of her nine attempts on goal alongside the ever-reliable Costello, who has surpassed the 30-goal mark in eight of her nine matches this season, finishing with a game-high 34 on Saturday.
The shooting of Jury was a bright spot throughout a tough defeat for the Steaders, ending with 18 goals while Emily Cooper converted five and Jessica Currie, who subbed into goal attack for the fourth quarter, added two.