Sport
4 August, 2026
Hard task for Navies as they try to tame Lions
This week, Charlton’s Under 17A attackers worked well under strong defensive pressure, moving the ball down the court and using their space effectively.
CHARLTON’S Under 14B side faced a strong, more experienced Calder United Lions outfit, with many of the opposition players being older.
Despite the challenge, the Navies competed with great intensity, defending relentlessly all over the court.
Marlly, Yazmin and Lila collected numerous intercepts throughout the match.
While Charlotte continually provided strong leads out of defence. Megg worked tirelessly on the wing in attack, helping to transition the ball into the goal circle, where Lilymae and Molly combined well and moved the ball with confidence.
The Navies produced several impressive passages of play and shared the ball effectively, but were unable to convert their opportunities, eventually going down.
Bendigo Bank Best: Lila L; FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Marlly M; Rex Theatre and Nutrien “Have a Crack”: Yazmin H-J
CHARLTON’S Under 14A side made a slow start against the Lions, with some uncharacteristic errors and missed opportunities under the post allowing Calder to establish an early lead.
However, the Navies responded well over the next two quarters, matching their opponents for much of the play.
Marley, Arlie and Sophie were outstanding in defence, collecting numerous intercepts and creating valuable turnovers.
With significant positional changes made for the final quarter, the Navies maintained their scoring rate, but the Lions were able to find easier access to the goal circle and extend their lead. Charlton eventually went down.
Bendigo Bank Best: Marley M; FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Arlie F; Caffeinated Chaos and North West Ag “Have a Crack”: Sophie R
This week, Charlton’s Under 17A attackers worked well under strong defensive pressure, moving the ball down the court and using their space effectively.
While the Navies couldn’t convert every turnover into goals, there were plenty of positive signs. Erin B had an outstanding game in defence, supporting her teammates and creating numerous turnovers. Overall, the girls continue to show their versatility and improve each week, with great passages of play.
It’s fantastic to see the U14 players continuing to step up and make such valuable contributions to the team. North Central Smash Repairs Best: Erin Blair; FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Taylah Giles; Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Sophie Roberts
UP AGAINST top of the ladder Calder United Lions was going to be quite the challenge for the Navies in C Grade this weekend.
The game was hard fought for four quarters, but Charlton finding it challenging to make an impact on the score board compared to previous weeks.
Taylah Boyle strengthening each week through the mid-court and defence, Emily Olive really showing strength in the Wing-Attack position and Kirsty McKenzie’s experience guiding our defence end.
Ergo and Mane Best: Emily Olive; Ergo and Mane Coaches: Kirsty McKenzie; Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Tahlijia Sheahan
IT WAS a tough day for Charlton’s B Grade girls, who found it difficult to work together consistently and create space through the first three quarters.
Defensively, Holly Thompson was outstanding across the entire game, earning Best on Court honours with her relentless pressure, strong rebounding and ability to contest every ball. Maggie Riley also worked tirelessly alongside Holly in defence and produced a stellar final quarter, creating several important turnovers that gave Charlton opportunities to attack.
At the attacking end, the Navies struggled to clear space and safely work the ball into the goal circle for much of the game.
Some positional changes in the final quarter saw the girls find their rhythm, moving the ball with much greater confidence and purpose.
The improvement was reflected on the scoreboard as Charlton won the final term, showing what the team is capable of when they back themselves and play with confidence.
Unfortunately, the slow start proved too much to overcome, with the Lions running out the winners.
Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Holly Thompson; Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Maggie Riley; Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Natalie Dawson
AFTER last week’s performance against Sea Lake, Charlton was eager to reset and build but struggled to find a rhythm in A Grade.
The girls started well, showing composure through the midcourt with strong drives, but some costly forced errors allowed the Lions to establish the lead.
Defensively, Claire Smith and Tessa Johnson again worked tirelessly together and are proving to be a formidable combination. Claire’s determination, encouragement and relentless effort throughout the game earned her the Coaches Award.
At the other end, Yasmine Thompson’s work rate was enormous.
Her physicality and repeated leads created valuable space for Chloe Walsh, and although it often goes unnoticed, her selfless efforts were invaluable to the team earning her best on court.
Charlton continued to fight until the final whistle and produced some excellent passages of play, but each time they looked to reduce the margin, the Lions had an answer.
While the team is still searching for its first win, they continue to show resilience and play for each other every week.
Walsh Motors Best: Yasmin Thompson; Walsh Motors Coaches: Claire Smith; Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Tessa Johnson
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