Sport
17 April, 2023
Heartbreak for Magpies in wet
It was heartbreak for Maryborough on the weekend as they let slip an 11-point three-quarter-time lead to Castlemaine. In atrocious conditions, Castlemaine were able to kick three goals in the final quarter with the game on the line, after being held...
It was heartbreak for Maryborough on the weekend as they let slip an 11-point three-quarter-time lead to Castlemaine.
In atrocious conditions, Castlemaine were able to kick three goals in the final quarter with the game on the line, after being held to one for the first three quarters, to eventually take a 4.13 (37) to 3.8 (26) win, leaving the Magpies waiting for a drought-breaking win.
Goals were difficult to come by in the opening quarter as the afternoon rain, which had been threatening for some time throughout the day, had finally arrived. It took until the 27 minute mark of the first quarter for either team to make an indent on the scoreboard, before Campbell McLennan kicked a goal off the ground for Castlemaine as they took a six-point lead into the first change.
It was still a grind during the second quarter, with one goal scored. But this time, Maryborough started to get on top, having the bulk of possession and territory. They were rewarded through an excellent midfield move by Joel Swatton, making his debut appearance for the Magpies, who helped set up Chris Freeman for the first goal of their season. At half time, the Magpies took a slender three-point lead.
The third quarter was a battle. Castlemaine were able to get some good looks to start the quarter, but could only muster three behinds as they levelled the scores. But when Maryborough made a forward thrust, they were able to get on the scoreboard. Jake Postle, playing in his 100th game for the club, won a free kick in front of goal and made no mistake.
Later on, Ty Stewart would be the recipient of a 50 metre penalty, duly converting to give the Magpies an 11-point cushion at the final break.
As the last quarter started, the rain intensified, and so did Castlemaine’s pressure. They were starting to win the critical contests with the game on the line, and were able to convert in the 13th minute from a 50 metre penalty through Brodie Byrne to reduce the margin to four points.
Castlemaine later hit the front, with a miracle goal to McLennan from 40 metres out on a tight angle from a free kick giving them a two point lead.
The game was sealed at the 23 minute mark when Ben Moran pounced on a loose ball up forward to send through Castlemaine’s third goal of the quarter, giving them their 11-point victory.
It was a heartbreaker for the Magpies, who were in such a good position to deliver a well-deserved victory.
Stewart had a workmanlike game in the ruck, while Swatton worked tirelessly through midfield and off half-back. Brady Neill, Luke Bucknall, debutant Taj Bond and Kya Lanfranchi were also named in the best.
In other results, it was better news for the team’s reserves and under 18s.
A best-on-ground performance from Liam Maffescioni and three goals from Bailey Jacobs helped the reserves take a strong 50-point win, kicking 9.17 (71) to 3.3 (21).
Meantime, the under 18s opened their account with a 64-point win, with Tom Myers, Damon Nitschke and Liam Freeman best on ground as they scored 14.14 (98) to 5.4 (34).
