Sport
16 July, 2026
Netballers pay respects on court
A minute’s silence was observed between the two 14 and Under matches bringing both clubs together to pay their respects.
CHARLTON netballers took to the court on an emotional day for the Donald community following the tragic loss of a young local, Layla.
A minute’s silence was observed between the two 14 and Under matches bringing both clubs together to pay their respects.
IN THE 14 and Under B match, Charlton’s defensive combination of Marlly and Alodia gave Donald’s goalers very few opportunities at the post, while Lila and Yazmin moved the ball smoothly through attack to create plenty of scoring chances for the Navies.
Charlotte was the more accurate of the Navies’ shooters, converting two goals as Charlton took an early advantage. Following changes at quarter time, the game continued in much the same fashion, with Charlton maintaining control across the court to take a 3-0 lead into the main break.
Molly proved a strong target under the post, helping Charlton produce an outstanding third quarter, scoring 11 goals while keeping Donald scoreless.
Charlotte moved into the centre for the final term and had a big influence, while the Navies’ defence continued to deny Donald any scoring opportunities.
Charlton added a further nine goals in a dominant final quarter to complete a comprehensive 23-0 victory. Bendigo Bank Best: Molly R, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Yazmin H-J, Rex Theatre and North West Ag “Have a Crack”: Charlotte S
CHARLTON made an impressive start in the 14 and Under A game, with relentless defensive pressure limiting Donald’s scoring opportunities.
Sophie continually provided strong attacking options through the mid-court, while Maddie and Rosie converted accurately under the post, helping the Navies race to a 6-0 lead at quarter time.
Both teams made changes heading into the second term.
Charlton took a little time to settle in attack, but Lily did an outstanding job against Donald’s tall shooter, forcing several turnovers and helping the Navies extend their lead by another goal.
The third quarter saw Charlton’s attack combine more effectively, with the mid-court trio of Isabella, Sophie and Rosie moving the ball smoothly into the goal circle.
Donald fought back to take the quarter by a single goal, but the Navies remained in control.
The final quarter was an even contest, with both sides matching each other across the court. Charlton maintained its composure to secure a well-deserved 14-8 victory.
Bendigo Bank Best: Sophie R, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Maddie L, Caffeinated Chaos and Nutrien Ag “Have a Crack”: Arlie F
THE Under 17 girls were slow to settle into the game, but a much stronger second half saw them reduce the margin.
The defenders worked hard all game, applying consistent pressure and creating plenty of opportunities through their efforts.
There were some excellent passages of play across the court, but the team was unable to convert all of their opportunities.
The improved second-half performance was a positive finish to the contest.
North Central Smash Repairs Best: Marley McGurk, FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Rosie Fitzpatrick, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Stella Nicolson
DONALD proved too strong for our C Grade team this weekend. The defensive end was missing key goal circle defender Liz Riley whose absence was felt on court as Liz brings plenty of voice and leadership to each game.
Kirsty McKenzie was welcomed back to the court in GK, and provided plenty of experience to assist the defence end to create plenty of turn-overs.
The attacking end fought hard all game, trialling different combinations to try to overcome a very strong Donald defence.
Ergo and Mane Best: Jac Leslie, Ergo and Mane Coaches: Taylah Boyle, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Abby Fry
B GRADE produced one of their best team performances of the season, showing tremendous resilience against second-placed Donald.
The defensive unit of Maggie Riley, Holly Thompson, Lacey Smith and Lily Campbell was relentless all day, with Lily sliding seamlessly into WD and applying constant pressure to Donald’s attack.
At the other end, Rebecca Sexton, Sarah Blair, Chloe Walsh and Nat Dawson continued to build their combinations, improving their timing with feeds and holds to capitalise on every opportunity. To push one of the competition’s benchmark teams all the way after an 11-goal half-time deficit was a fantastic effort.
Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Lily Campbell, Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Holly Thompson, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Maggie Riley
A GRADE produced their best performance of the season in a thrilling contest, leading at every change before Donald snatched the game in the dying minutes to claim a narrow victory. Claudia Lee directed play beautifully through the midcourt and delivering superb feeds into tall target Chloe Walsh, who battled tirelessly despite being double-teamed for much of the game.
Yasmine Thompson was equally impressive, creating strong leads, drawing defenders and opening opportunities for Chloe, while her work rate around the court was exceptional.
While Ash Bowen created opportunities both ends and great connections with the players around her in the C position.
Defensively, Charlton adapted brilliantly to life without regular GD Megan Bruns.
The new-look combination worked seamlessly as one unit, with Lacey Smith and Tessa Johnson applying relentless pressure before the ball reached the goal circle, allowing Claire Smith to do what she does best and contest strongly against Donald’s young shooter.
Walsh Motors Best: Claudia Lee, Walsh Motors Coaches: Lacey Smith, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Tessa Johnson
Players of the month
MAGGIE Riley: In her first senior season, Maggie has shown great determination and a genuine commitment to improving her game each week.
She listens, takes on feedback, and gives her best in every role asked of her, both on and off the court.
Maggie also goes above and beyond by umpiring our junior grades and is always willing to lend a hand wherever she can.
LILA has made fantastic improvements on the court this year through her hard work, dedication, and positive attitude.
She consistently attends every training session as well as attending senior training. Lila is always eager to learn, listening closely to coaches and senior players and using their feedback to continue developing her game.
Off the court, Lila is a happy, positive teammate who is always supportive of those around her.
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