Sport
6 May, 2025
Navarre suprises Lexton, staking claim for 2025 finals spot after promising start
The Navarre Grasshoppers have sent a clear chirping message to the rest of the league, upsetting 2024 preliminary finalists Lexton away from home 45-34.
Following a disappointing end to their 2024 campaign and a difficult schedule to start this season, a victory for Navarre will be a massive confidence booster after losses to the Maryborough Giants and Talbot as they hope to convert their 2-2 start into a finals berth in September.
The first quarter was an entertaining affair, with moments of individual defensive brilliance sprinkled throughout.
Both teams had 13 shots on goals in the opening 15 minutes, with each converting eight to be left gridlocked to end the term.
Anna Parry netted five and Leesa Donhardt scored three for Lexton, while Erin Jackson made five and Chloe Frank added three for Navarre.
The second quarter was another hotly contested affair which featured more free-flowing movement in the midcourt, allowing for more chances to score.
It was the Grasshoppers who were more clinical in the second term, with Jackson’s seven goals from eight attempts the catalyst for Navarre to take a 19-17 advantage heading into the main break.
Frank assisted Jackson’s efforts, chipping in with four goals.
Parry led the way for the Tigers in the second quarter, scoring six goals while Donhardt added another three.
With everything to play for, both teams were determined to wrestle momentum in the all-important ‘premiership quarter’.
The Tigers and Grasshoppers produced a similar amount of chances in the third, however, it was again the Grasshoppers who were more efficient, extending their lead to six after a 12-8 quarter.
Jackson continued her hot streak with five goals from six attempts, while Frank top-scored with seven goals.
Donhardt managed to convert six shots from her 12 attempts for the Lions, while Parry ended the third with a further two goals.
Despite the efforts of the Tigers to claw their way back into the contest, it was Navarre who would hold their nerve in a tense final quarter, finishing their statement victory with a 14-9 final term to win by 11 goals.
Navarre’s midcourt trio of Hayley Reading, Amber Perry and Darcy Crawford were critical in the final quarter, turning defence into attack rapidly with their inch-perfect passing, particularly into the goal circle.
Frank stepped up for the Grasshoppers in the final term, netting nine vital goals while Jackson finished her strong game with five goals.
It was Lexton’s inaccuracy in front of goal that cost them dearly, finishing with a shooting percentage of less than 60 percent.
