Sport
21 July, 2026
Lexton might proves too much for Maryborough
A mauling second quarter headlined Lexton’s conclusive round 14 performance at the Maryborough Netball Association, defeating the Giants by 28 goals.
Just as the Tigers seemed destined for another tight encounter with the finals-hungry Giants following a competitive opening term, a Charlize Kennedy and Rachel Phelan powered 20-goal barrage boosted the visitors to a fortified lead that only expanded in the second half.
Defenders Macey Parry and Riahni Egan were instrumental to Maryborough’s promising start, denying Lexton’s revamped midcourt of Cindy Teggerth, Caitlin and Ebony Howell easy access to Kennedy and Phelan in the attacking goal circle.
While they were hampered by the absence of junior standout Bridget Allan, veteran shooters Laura McStravick and Rebecca Dewhirst showed attacking building blocks for the hosts alongside energetic midcourters Maddison Smith, Jessie Tolson and Kayley Walhouse.
Despite trailing by five goals at quarter time, the Giants entered the break optimistic they could challenge for a vital victory in their top eight chase.
Teggerth, Caitlin Howell and Eliza Bell quickly dashed those aspirations after the interval, helping Lexton score six of the first seven goals in the second term with excellent interceptions and ruthless transition.
While Parry, Egan and Jorgia Brown fought valiantly to defend the hosts goal, the Tigers’ sharp offence bite proved deadly, ballooning Lexton’s lead to 18 goals by half time.
With the tall and athletic Emme Johnson joining Parry and Egan in the defensive third following her second quarter introduction, the Giants recaptured the combative form they showcased in the opening term.
Despite young gun Kennedy having an uncharacteristically inaccurate day under the ring, the veteran presence of Phelan ensured the Tigers didn’t succumb to Maryborough’s resistance and enter three-quarter time leading by 23 goals.
While the final result was virtually decided, B grade call-up Meg Johnson provided an exciting late spark for the Giants in her first A grade appearance of the season, scoring six of Maryborough’s nine fourth-quarter goals.
Yet it didn’t stop the Tigers from preserving their four-point buffer in fifth place on the ladder with a 59-31 victory that clinched their 14th straight finals appearance.
Even with her shooting struggles, Kennedy remained productive, scoring a game-high 34 goals alongside Phelan, who made 25 of her 29 attempts at goal.
Alongside Meg Johnson’s entertaining fourth-quarter flourish, Maryborough player-coach McStravick ended with 18 goals while veteran Dewhirst added seven.