Sport
8 July, 2025
Talbot Hawks win battle of the birds versus the Magpies
Talbot has earned a much-needed convincing win over Campbells Creek, giving a strong injection to their chase of the top four.
The victory, coupled with Navarre’s defeat at the hands of Natte Bealiba, has allowed the Hawks to swoop past the Grasshoppers into fifth, four points away from the Maryborough Giants in fourth.
While Talbot entered the match adding rising star Naomi Henderson following their suspenseful win over Lexton, Campbells Creek welcomed Molly Kennedy and Tarni Williams to their side for the unavailable Elouise Jones.
Needing a percentage booster to assist their top-four chances, the Hawks got off to a flyer, starting the game with an impressive 9-0 run.
The Magpies slowed the runaway Hawks halfway through the first quarter, keeping the deficit to nine at the end of the first quarter.
Talbot’s Loren Aquilina and Shianne Milera were full of energy in the early stages, often finding space in the midcourt and attacking the goal circle with aggressive passes.
Changing winds throughout the first term caused some inaccurate shooting from both sides, but that didn’t stop Hawks shooters Elenoa Costello and Eleisha Phelps from scoring 14 and five respectively.
Magpies player-coach Jemma Finning converted some tough shots late in the opening period to finish on nine goals for the quarter while Kennedy added one.
In a bid to maintain Talbot’s fast ball movement, Abbey Klemm was subbed into wing defence for Tina Wardlaw, who shared time at centre with Aquilina in the second quarter.
The change had the desired effect, as Talbot remained in control on their home court, heading into half time with a 21-goal lead.
Costello’s clever positioning and footwork generated the chances she needed to add 13 goals in the second term, with teammate Phelps scoring eight.
Williams was introduced into the match midway through the term for Kennedy, creating a strong tandem with Finning as the pair combined for nine goals for the period.
A 22-10 third quarter in the Hawks’ favour virtually put the game to bed, as Talbot extended their lead to 33 goals at the final break.
Costello continued her commanding performance in the second half, converting 17 of her 19 shots in the period.
Phelps and Milera split time at goal attack in the third quarter, leading to Phelps adding three and Milera scoring two.
Even with the substitution of Jane Costello and Naomi Henderson into the Hawks’ defence, Finning excelled in the third quarter, netting nine goals while Williams scored one.
With Elenoa Costello moved into defence for the final quarter, Phelps picked up her scoring load in the last 15 minutes, exploding for 18 goals to complete a strong victory for Talbot.
Milera stayed in the goal circle following her cameo in the third, adding three goals.
Finning was the Magpies top-scorer with 27 goals, including four in the last term, while Tarni Williams converted three in the fourth quarter.