Sport
28 April, 2026
Lexton Tigers survive Harcourt challenge
The Harcourt Lions gave their fellow apex predators a major first-half fright, but a second-half surge allowed the Lexton Tigers to protect their perfect 2026 record with a 49-32 win.
The return of Sarah Griffin was a key factor in the Tigers keeping the Lions’ offence in check, while Rachel Phelan and Charlize Kennedy combined to score 26 goals in the second half.
Despite falling to 0-3, the Lions have shown incredible strides in their competitiveness compared to last year, hoping to maintain that heightened level ahead of a difficult run of fixtures.
While Sarah Griffin’s arrival was the only major team news for Lexton, a season debut caused a lineup reshuffle for Harcourt.
With newcomer Jarrenhy Webb pairing with Jordan Bagley in the attacking goal circle, Ursula van Dyk was moved to wing defence, giving Harcourt a midcourt platoon of Ella Rule, Morgan Howorth and Zoe McLean.
While their platoon was making life tricky for Lexton’s Darci Berry and Caitlin Howell, Laura Suckling and Carly Chaplin were once again doing a terrific job in Harcourt’s defensive goal circle.
However, the Tigers’ defensive trio of Griffin, Shanae Hepworth and Eliza Bell were even more potent in the opening 15 minutes, as the hosts entered quarter time up 12-7.
Despite Lexton threatening to build a game-changing margin at the end of the first period, the second term was a back-and-forth affair, as Harcourt kept pace with the perennial contender.
Bagley and Webb were beginning to find their range in the second quarter, connecting well with Howorth and McLean to finish off some well-crafted moves.
The margin remained a five-goal Tigers advantage at half time, but the Lions were up and about after tying the second quarter 11-11.
With a chance to regroup at the interval, the Tigers roared into action to begin the third quarter, building the margin they threatened to create early in the contest.
While Griffin and Hepworth reasserted their defensive prowess, Phelan was compounding Harcourt’s problems with her pristine shooting accuracy.
Several key Lexton runs allowed the favourites to generate some lengthy breathing room at three-quarter time, leading by 13 goals.
Despite some lineup tweaks allowing the Lions to regain their offensive groove, Phelan and Kennedy ensured Lexton wouldn’t squander its double-digit advantage, capitalising on some terrific feeds from Berry and Howell to seal the 17-goal victory.
While the younger Kennedy led Lexton with 30 goals, the veteran Phelan was arguably more lethal, scoring 19 of her 21 shooting attempts.
Bagley continued her encouraging start to the season with 20 goals, while the arrival of Webb looks to be a handy addition to Harcourt’s offence, netting 12 in her season debut.