Sport
1 July, 2024
Magpies cement top three spot
It was a season-defining game for Maryborough’s A reserve campaign and the Magpies delivered — taking a two-goal victory away from Dower Park against Kangaroo Flat. The result sees the Magpies a game and a half clear in third place for the time...
It was a season-defining game for Maryborough’s A reserve campaign and the Magpies delivered — taking a two-goal victory away from Dower Park against Kangaroo Flat.
The result sees the Magpies a game and a half clear in third place for the time being ahead of a big two-week stretch against Gisborne and Sandhurst, fellow top five opponents, but in terms of notching up important victories, the Magpies might yet look back on this one as a key win in the context of their season.
More to the point, the Magpies had to come from behind, with their second quarter eventually doing the damage.
The Kangaroos got off to the better start and were a touch more economical in front of goal, scoring 13 goals to 11 in the opening term to lead by two at the first change. Megan Kelly scored six goals, while Jordan MacIlwain scored five for the Magpies.
The Magpies’ second quarter was a huge difference-maker, putting together a superb defensive performance to hold the Kangaroos to six goals, while scoring 12 of their own to flip the script and lead 23-19 at the main break. Kelly scored four goals, while MacIlwain added eight.
Kangaroo Flat hit back in the third quarter, and closed the gap by scoring 11 goals to nine, with Maryborough clinging on to a two-goal lead, 32-30. Kelly scored four goals, while MacIlwain added five.
The last quarter was a big test for Maryborough, who desperately needed a win and with ghosts from their last meeting with Flat, which saw them unable to hold on to their lead for a draw.
This time around, there was no such mistake — the Magpies turning the last quarter into a dour, defensive battle right when they needed to, with both teams scoring seven goals apiece, and the Magpies taking a huge four points back home.
Kelly scored four goals, while MacIlwain finished with three to lead the way with 21 for the afternoon.
It was a tougher assignment for B grade and B reserve, with the Magpies going down in B grade by 43 goals, 58-15, while B reserve lost by 50 goals, 68-18.
Maryborough are now almost certain of two finals appearances in the competition, with the 17 and under squad four games clear in third place courtesy of a 43-28 victory over Kangaroo Flat.
Coupled with Castlemaine losing to South Bendigo, it was a big morning for the Magpies, who now look good to secure the double chance, while also simultaneously keeping the pressure on Sandhurst and Golden Square at the top of the ladder.