Sport
20 May, 2025
Lexton curb losing streak by downing Saints
The Lexton Tigers have finally ended their three-game losing streak, squeaking past the Trentham Saints in a hard-fought eight-goal victory.
The victory will give the Tigers a world of confidence after defeats to Avoca, Navarre and Carisbrook while steadying their ambitions of potentially finishing in the top four.
The contest was a testament to defensive determination, as both teams ensured their opposition had to earn every inch of attacking territory.
Lexton got off to a better start in the first quarter, but Trentham played well to limit the deficit to four goals at quarter time.
Lexton pairing Anna Parry and Leesa Donhardt shot well early, making seven and three shots respectively.
Trentham’s Kasey Button and Sharna Ford did their best to keep pace, with Button scoring four and Ford adding two.
Both teams made some tactical switches to start the second quarter, with Brodey McKay and Charlize Kennedy subbed in for Sarah Griffin and Donhardt for Lexton, while Trentham brought on Stevie Courtney at wing defence.
Trentham managed to increase their scoring rate in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to reduce the margin, as Lexton built a six-point buffer heading into half-time.
Deputising for Donhardt, Kennedy supplemented Parry’s seven second-quarter goals with three of her own.
After struggling in the first quarter, Ford found her form in the second, scoring six goals from seven shots with Button netting two of her own.
Coming out of half time with their first victory still in sight, Trentham started the second half on top, with their defence, anchored by Jessica Walker, limiting Lexton to six goals as the Saints got the margin down to two goals by three quarter time.
Ford and Button started to click in the third quarter, combining for 10 goals from just 13 shots.
Donhardt, Kennedy and Parry managed to keep the Tigers in front at the final break, all chipping in with three, two and a goal respectively.
With the game well and truly on the line late into the fourth, the nerves started to creep in for both sides.
However, the introduction of the defensive-minded Evelyn Reid and Caitlin Howell into the midcourt for Lexton proved to be the difference maker.
The duo, alongside Ciane Van Dyken, combined to give their shooters opportunities to make a difference while limiting Trentham’s chances to respond, allowing Lexton to slowly pull away to victory.
Parry and Donhardt did enough with their opportunities, scoring seven and four each in the final quarter.
The Saints gave it their all in the final quarter, with Ford scoring four and Button converting her only shot of the quarter.