Sport
18 April, 2026
Pies feel heat on indoor court
BOORT has suffered a shock defeat in round one of North Central A Grade netball, being overrun in the second half by last season’s strugglers Donald.
BOORT has suffered a shock defeat in round one of North Central A Grade netball, being overrun in the second half by last season’s strugglers Donald.
There was hardly an inkling of what would happen at half-time, with the Magpies, who finished third last year, six goals up and playing well.
Coach Carly Isaac was nonplussed herself after the 47-43 loss.
“We had a lot of momentum at half-time, and we were running with the ball really well,” she said.
Donald switched young star Milla Adams from goal shooter to goal attack for the second half, and she was faultless under the ring after swapping roles with her sister Kayla Donnellon.
Isaac felt her side didn’t get the rub of the green on the day but still played a consistent match against “a handy side”.
The game was played indoors which meant the wind that affected all other matches was not a factor, but Isaac said conditions were very warm under the roof.
She was looking forward to getting back some players as the season progressed, with a big clash against Sea Lake Nandaly this week.
The Tigers beat Boort by a goal in last year’s preliminary final to reach the decider against Wedderburn.
“It’s going to be a pretty heated match,” Isaac said.
“It’s going to be tight – there’s not going to be too much to separate all the teams this season.”
Grace Hosking and Eliza Perryman were named as Boort’s best on Saturday.
The Pies had wins in C Grade and the junior grades.
Lockhart leaps over a united defence
WEDDERBURN was stretched at times by a competitive Calder United outfit but was able to pull away for a comfortable win in North Central A Grade netball’s first round.
Looking for their third title on the trot, and after an unbeaten 2025 season, the Redbacks could rely on familiar faces to stand up in the 48-32 victory on a windswept Nullawil court.
Maddi Postle was her usual rock-like presence in defence, and Holly Lockhart provided a good focal point as goal shooter.
Coach Meg Lowry said Lockhart’s strength and great vertical leap stood out against the Lions’ defenders.
Last season’s league best and fairest winner Kelsey Palpratt spent a half playing centre and then shifted to wing attack, forcing a host of turnovers in both roles.
Calder United fought back after Wedderburn got away to a hot start, but the Redbacks proved too strong.
Wedderburn is at home to Charlton on Saturday and will unfurl the 2025 flag at Donaldson Park.
The Redbacks were due to play St Arnaud in round seven on June 13, but the Saints have withdrawn their A Grade team from the competition.
Lowry said the top team would be given the week off when it was scheduled to meet St Arnaud, which means players will be off the court from May 30 to June 20.
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