CASTLEMAINE achieved a long-awaited A-grade netball victory against Golden Square in Saturday’s fifth round in the Bendigo Football Netball League season.
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The Magpies withstood a spirited fightback from the blue and gold in the last quarter to win 47-45 at countrycars.com.au oval in Castlemaine.
Chelsey Williams has played more than 100 A-grade matches for Castlemaine and had never defeated Golden Square until Saturday.
“It was an incredible performance by the team,” Castlemaine coach Kate Wastell said.
The Pies turned a one-goal deficit at half-time into a seven-goal lead by the start of the final quarter on the Camp Reserve court.
Although Square won the last term, 12-7, the Magpies triumphed.
“Strong defence played a big part in our win, not just in the defensive zone, but also through mid-court and by our goalers,” Wastell said.
Tayla Williams scored 27 goals for the Pies and Eliza Fitzpatrick added 20.
“Eliza has gone into the goaling circle the past two games and played well,” Wastell said of back-to-back wins against Strathfieldsaye and Golden Square.
In Saturday’s match, Golden Square’s Carly Geary scored a match-high 30 goals and Kath Basilewsky added 15 for the blue and gold.
Castlemaine has now jumped to fifth on the ladder.
Wastell said Sandhurst now stood in Castlemaine’s way of achieving a hat-trick of wins when they meet this Sunday on the QEO court.
Sandhurst will be keen to bounce back from a 10-goal loss at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.
The unbeaten Gisborne won every quarter on the way to a 49-39 win.
Kangaroo Flat continued its unbeaten streak in a 52-32 win against South Bendigo at Beck Legal Oval.
After an even opening term, the Roos bounced away to lead 24-16 at half-time.
Rachel Mackenzie was in superb touch in Flat’s attack.
Brooke Lawry moved to goal attack in the second half as Nina Cass took a break.
Shelby Thatcher led South’s attack, while centre Tegan Elliston had a great duel with Sarah Fern as Flat bounced back from an Anzac Day draw at Eaglehawk to win 52-32.
Maryborough teamed brilliantly to beat Eaglehawk, 47-40, at Princes Park.
Jordan MacIlwain and Zoe Kerr were in fine form as the home team led 38-26 at three quarter-time in the battle of the birds.
Although the Hawks fought back to win the last term, 14-9, the Magpies took the points.
Ashlee Jenkyn and Bridget Cuttriss were Eaglehawk’s best players.