Sport
28 April, 2026
Carisbrook defeats Talbot by a goal after nail-biting finish
Following a disheartening defeat to Natte Bealiba, Carisbrook managed to rebound in the most dramatic fashion, conquering fellow contender Talbot 58-57 in an instant classic worthy of two elite teams.
Despite being round three, Talbot Recreation Reserve had a finals atmosphere throughout the match, as the two teams were within two goals of each other during all three quarter time breaks.
The tension only rose even further when the scores were deadlocked at 53-53 with mere minutes left to play.
It was the Redbacks who held their nerve in the dying moments, earning a potentially vital victory by the narrowest of margins.
After using 10 netballers in their aforementioned defeat to the Swans, Carisbrook was able to refine their starting lineup ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster encounter.
Following a strong round two showing, Finley Wagstaff was moved into the starting seven, joining Elise Mottram in the heart of defence.
The Hawks also made some tactical alterations, as sharpshooter Elenoa Costello made her first start of the season after dominantly coming off the bench against Harcourt and Campbells Creek.
Despite both teams boasting elite defences, the Hawks and Redbacks were virtually faultless in attack during the first quarter, trading goals as centre breaks came at a luxury.
The defensive trio of Wagstaff, Mottram and Charlotte Cain came up with enough stops to give their shooters Abbey Nalder and Jordan McClure enough of an edge, as Carisbrook led 16-14 at quarter time.
With neither team able to assert its dominance on the defensive end, the Hawks rolled the dice with a promising youngster, as Naomi Henderson came on during the second quarter.
Despite her inexperience, Henderson fitted seamlessly alongside Melissa Scott and Jess White as the hosts began to slow the Redbacks’ attack.
While Wagstaff, Mottram and Cain remained potent on defence, making it challenging for Talbot midcourters Loren Aquilina and Tina Wardlaw to provide service to their shooters, it barely affected Eleisha Phelps and Costello, who were virtually automatic throughout the first half.
Even with Talbot’s elite shooting, Carisbrook remained ahead at half time by a goal.
The Redbacks made a slight tweak during the main break, with former Nalder Tracey Trophy winner Laura Hurse swapping into wing attack with co-captain Katie Bilton, who moved to centre.
The Hawks once again turned to some youthful energy during the second half, as A grade newcomer Charli Kaye played a stint marking Bilton at centre.
Both moves were made to promote possession security in the premiership quarter, as the Hawks and Redbacks slowed their offensive tempo, knowing every centre pass mattered.
Carisbrook built a noticeable gap early in the term, but Talbot clawed the margin back to two goals at the final change.
Like a pair of heavyweight boxers destined to go the distance, the two contenders continued to throw haymakers at each other, but neither team was going down.
A timely break from the hosts saw the scores back at even, with every result remaining in the balance as the minutes ticked away.
The fourth-quarter drama heightened even further when Hurse was forced to come off due to an injury, necessitating B grade standout Ella Bartlett to leap onto the court.
Playing her first A grade minutes of the season, Bartlett seemed unfazed by the pressure, throwing a spectacular entry pass to Nalder to keep the Redbacks level.
An uncharacteristic turnover from Aquilina was the narrow opening Carisbook was looking for, cashing in the chance to create a two-goal lead.
White came up with a magnificent interception to give her team a lifeline at the death, but the Hawks couldn’t convert the ensuing possession, allowing the Redbacks to kill the clock and secure a memorable victory.
Following inaccurate performances in her first two games, Nalder stepped up massively in the second half, netting 38 goals alongside the reliable McClure on 20 makes.
The Hawks couldn’t have asked for a better shooting performance from Costello and Phelps in defeat, scoring 40 and 17 goals respectively with only six misses between them.