Sport
10 July, 2023
Navarre hops into top four
NATTE BEALIBA 5.2 (32) def by NAVARRE 6.9 (45) Navarre have moved into the top four for the first time this year thanks to a gritty 13-point victory over Natte Bealiba. A tricky day at a very slippery Natte Yallock Recreation Reserve saw just 11...
NATTE BEALIBA 5.2 (32) def by NAVARRE 6.9 (45)
Navarre have moved into the top four for the first time this year thanks to a gritty 13-point victory over Natte Bealiba.
A tricky day at a very slippery Natte Yallock Recreation Reserve saw just 11 goals scored for the game, but it was Navarre who made the most of it across the opening half.
They were able to kick two goals to one to establish an eight-point lead at the first change, before really putting the foot down in the second, which realistically decided the game. Three goals to the Hoppers in that time frame, while restricting the Swans to just one major, saw them open up a 22-point half time lead.
While the Swans did everything they could to try to peg back the margin, it was to no avail. Both teams kicked one goal apiece in the third term, with the Hoppers holding station to virtually seal victory, leading by 23 points at the last change.
Natte kicked two goals in the last quarter, but the damage was done. Navarre sealed their fourth consecutive victory against the Swans, and with Newstead also losing to Maryborough Rovers, were the big beneficiary on the MCDFNL ladder as a result.
Louis Hannett relished the heavy conditions, named best on ground, with Matthew Arbuckle, Billy Parry, Josh Fowkes, Cody Driscoll and Brady Tillig also lending a hand. Up forward, it was a good day to be a Driscoll, with Cody, Billy and Ash combining for five of the six Hoppers goals.
Natte move down to fifth as a result of their loss, with Aaron Hayes, Jye Mortlock, Toby Beavis, Bailey Cossar, Daniel Vadala and Austin McKenzie named in their best. Zac Mortlock led the way with two goals.