Sport
21 July, 2026
Lexton etches closer to top eight with narrow win
Lexton held off a determined final-quarter comeback from the Maryborough Giants to claim a thrilling three-point victory in an absorbing contest at Hedges Oval on Saturday.
The Giants had opportunities to snatch victory in the dying minutes, but the Tigers held their nerve to secure four valuable points in one of the season’s closest contests.
The opening quarter was played at a frantic pace, with both sides moving the ball quickly and sharing the early momentum.
Rhys Egan opened the scoring for the Giants after marking a pass from Rhys Wagstaff before the teams traded goals throughout the opening term.
Lexton finished the quarter strongly, with Tom McGregor, Justin Hobson and Jaxon Thomas combining to kick three unanswered goals to establish a 12-point advantage at the first change.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle. The Giants controlled much of the field position but found Lexton’s defence difficult to penetrate.
Atticus Cullinan kicked the only goal of the term, while the Giants’ back six stood tall to keep the Tigers goalless for the entire quarter, reducing the margin to just four points at half-time.
The Giants again controlled long periods of the third term and looked set to take command. An outstanding chain of play involving Sam Thomson, Riley Govan and Karson Guareschi ended with Egan finishing from close range to give the home side early momentum.
Despite dominating general play, the Giants couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, managing just one goal while adding six behinds for the quarter.
Lexton weathered the storm before Luke Madden broke clear to kick a crucial running goal, and after the sides exchanged late majors, the Tigers carried a slender one-point lead into the final change.
The final quarter produced a gripping finish. Just four minutes into the term, Guareschi produced a flying mark in the goal square and converted to put the Giants in front.
Lexton responded immediately through Madden before adding another major to stretch the lead to 10 points midway through the quarter.
The Giants refused to concede. Guareschi again marked strongly and converted to reduce the margin before Cullinan appeared to have kicked the go-ahead goal, only for the goal umpire to rule otherwise.
With one final attacking opportunity, Guareschi was tackled as he was shooting for goal, and the final siren sounded to hand Lexton a hard-earned three-point victory.
Kaylab Eggers produced another outstanding performance for the Giants and was well supported by Govan, Declan Wagstaff, Matthew Walker, Scott Miller and Rhys Wagstaff.
Egan finished with two goals, while Guareschi’s strong marking made him a constant threat throughout the afternoon on his way to booting three majors.
Lexton’s best players were McGregor, Pat Parr, Josh Carey, Thomas Cullinan, Jaykeb Lench and Henry Marshman.
The Tigers were well served by Thomas and Madden in attack, with their ability to capitalise on limited opportunities ultimately proving the difference in a fiercely contested encounter.