Sport
27 August, 2024
Magpie setback going into elimination final
A do-or-die battle with Kangaroo Flat awaits for Maryborough’s A reserve team, finishing off their home-and-away campaign with an 18-goal loss to Strathfieldsaye.
It was the second quarter which provided much of the difference for the Storm, as they were able to get the job done to secure a second-placed finish.
The Magpies were very com-petitive early on, and scored 12 goals in the first to 13 to give themselves a chance at the first break. Jordan MacIlwain scored seven goals, while Meg Kelly scored five.
The second term saw the Storm dominate, however, and their 18 goals to the Magpies’ seven meant that it was a 12-goal deficit at the main break, trailing 19-31 despite having their chances. Kelly scored three times, while MacIlwain scored four.
Strathfieldsaye were able to keep the Magpies at arm’s length throughout the third quarter, scoring 11 goals to nine to increase the lead to 14 goals at the final change, leading 42-28.
Again, the Magpies had their chances, but were unable to score goals at crucial junctures. Kelly scored four goals, while MacIlwain scored five.
Strathfieldsaye ran out the game by increasing their lead, scoring 14 goals to 10 to finish off the home-and-away campaign.
The result means Maryborough will have some thinking to do in order to rebound against Kangaroo Flat — a team the Magpies have not lost to this season.
Both Kelly and MacIlwain finished with five goals apiece, with Kelly finishing on 17 goals and MacIlwain 21.
Both the B grade and B reserve teams were unable to score their first wins of the season, and finish on the bottom, winless. The B grade team lost 62-23, while the B reserve team had a tough afternoon, losing 107-20.
The under 17s had a comfortable lead for much of the game, but weren’t quite able to sustain it in a game that didn’t have much riding for the Magpies, but plenty more for Strathfieldsaye as they secured a spot in the finals with a one-goal win.
Leading by five goals at the final change, the Magpies conceded 16 goals to 10 to leave themselves needing to bounce back ahead of a qualifying final clash with Golden Square.
That game will be played on Saturday morning, while the A reserve clash with Kangaroo Flat will be played on Sunday afternoon, both at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.