Sport
14 July, 2026
Maryborough Under 14s set pace in finals race
After a week off, both the Maryborough under 10 and under 12 teams travelled to Bendigo on Saturday to take on Quarry Hill and St Monica’s in what proved to be a difficult day for the visitors.
Missing several key players, both sides faced strong opposition but continued to compete with deter-mination throughout the matches.
Oscar Bilton worked tirelessly for the under 10s, while Oscar Bramley was outstanding at centre half-back for the under 12s, repeatedly turning back attacking moves during the 102-point defeat.
Both teams will be keen to regroup and return to winning form next round.
On Sunday, the Maryborough under 14s produced an impressive all-round performance to bounce back from last round’s heart-breaking one-point defeat, recording a convincing 12.22.(94) to 4.2.(26) victory over Eaglehawk at Princes Park.
The coaches’ pre-match message to regroup and move on from the previous loss was clearly taken on board, as the Magpies burst from the blocks, establishing a commanding 26-point quarter time lead before extending the margin to 34 points by half time.
Hardy Heathcock provided plenty of drive from the wing, linking up well with teammates, while Jordan Akdogen was outstanding through the midfield, repeatedly creating attacking opportunities with his strong ball use.
The Magpies maintained their intensity throughout the second half, with only inaccurate kicking preventing an even bigger winning margin.
With four teams now locked together in second place on the ladder, the race for finals positions is shaping as one of the closest in recent seasons, making every match over the coming weeks increasingly important.
