Sport
1 June, 2026
Navies’ tough task against the Lions
CHARLTON’S fate was sealed early against reigning North Central premiers Calder United, with the Navy Blues again unable to hit the scoreboard.
CHARLTON’S fate was sealed early against reigning North Central premiers Calder United, with the Navy Blues again unable to hit the scoreboard.
The Lions kicked 6.6 to 0.1 in the first quarter, and increased the margin to 71 points by half-time as Charlton again failed to kick a goal.
The team’s sole major came in the third quarter, with Calder kicking 16 of their own in the second half.
Charlton’s chronic inability to score is highlighted by Jake Lawry being the side’s top goalkicker for the season - he has booted three and the whole team only 11 in five rounds.
It was always going to be a tough task against the Lions, who have won all four matches since losing the opening game to Wedderburn. Dale Pearce kicked nine for Calder, making it 21 in the last three rounds, and Steven Stroobants, a consistent goal scorer for Calder in his first season, booted six.
Justin Laird continued his strong form after moving from Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the Loddon Valley league, and the powerful midfielder was best on the ground.
Key defender Xav Tadd, and fellow backmen Mason Heenan and Patrick Soulsby were among Charlton’s best on another dirty day, working hard against the tsunami of forward 50 entrances from Calder.
The Navies travel again next week to face Birchip Watchem, last year’s losing grand finalists, while the Lions are at home with Donald.
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