Sport
6 August, 2024
Magpies alive in double-chance race
Maryborough have kept their double-chance hopes alive with a 10-goal victory over South Bendigo.
It was a much-needed result for the Magpies after bouncing back from two consecutive losses, and keeps them within a game of both Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst ahead of them on the ladder.
The Magpies made a bright start on Saturday, scoring 14 goals to six to open up an eight-goal lead at the first change. It was the midcourt that was doing all the damage as they restricted South Bendigo’s movement across the court, while feeding Jordan MacIlwain effectively as she scored 11 goals for the term, while Meg Kelly added three.
The second term saw South Bendigo get back on terms with the Magpies across the court, yet Maryborough had every answer to the Bloods’ challenges. As a result, it was an 11-goal to 10 quarter to see the Magpies lead 25-16, with Kelly scoring seven goals and MacIlwain four.
The third quarter was much of the same, with the Magpies again holding station, while also outscoring the Bloods to increase their lead to 10 goals at the final change, scoring 12 goals to 11 to lead 37-27. Kelly and MacIlwain both scored six goals.
The last quarter was more of a defensive battle, but that’s exactly how Maryborough would have wanted it as they were able to shut down South Bendigo’s attacking threats, with both teams scoring nine goals for the quarter to eventually see the Magpies win 46-36.
MacIlwain had an outstanding day in front of goal, finishing with 27 goals, while Kelly also contributed with 19 goals for the day.
Elsewhere around the courts, Maryborough’s B grade team were unable to get the better of South Bendigo, losing 22-58, while it was a similar story for a brave B reserve, who put together one of their better performances in front of goal for the season in a 29-74 loss.
The 17 and under team were able to score another impressive victory, taking a 51-33 win over South Bendigo.
The win means that the Magpies have locked in the double-chance once and for all, and will progress to the second week of the finals at the very least.