Sport
6 May, 2025
Baxter’s 10 steers Harcourt to dominant win
A 10-goal haul for Baxter Gurd was the cherry on top of a five-star performance from Harcourt, as the Lions mauled Maldon by 158 points.
The Lions burst out of their cage immediately following last week’s bye. They showcased lethal efficency in front of goal scoring eight goals from nine scoring chances while limiting Maldon to seven points as they entered quarter time with a 42 point lead.
Harcourt’s suffocating pressure ensured the ball consistently remained in their offensive half, and when the Bombers managed to get the ball inside 50, the Lions free-flowing, counter attacking play created continuous chances to increase their advantage.
The Lions took those chances with sniper efficency, adding another 10 goals in the second quarter compared to Maldon’s two, leading by 91 points at half-time.
Not content with having the game wrapped up by the main break, the Lions went on a dominant run to begin the second half, with Gurd kicking his 10th goal in an amazing third-quarter performance.
No matter what the Maldon defenders did, Gurd seemed to have enough space to kick it through the big sticks, leading Harcourt to another 10-goal quarter to blow out the margin to 147 points.
Determined to fight until the very end, Maldon produced their best quarter for last, kicking four goals straight while forcing the Lions into an inaccurate 5.5 quarter to limit the final margin to 158 points.
Gurd was a clear choice for Harcourt’s best players, joined by Thomas Walters, Mark Noonan, Cameron Anderson, Alex Code and Jack Threlfall.
Not named in the best for the Lions was Riely Thiesz and Jed Rodda, who kicked eight and six goals respectively, a testament to Harcourt’s performance.
Max Johns, Ashley Woodman, Matthew Gray, Sebastyn Andrea, Damian Wust and Bryce Coffey gave it their all for the Bombers and were rewarded by being named the best players.
Tristian Rowe and Noah Thompson were the only multiple goal scorers for Maldon, kicking two majors each.
