Sport
28 May, 2026
Touching tribute for lost soul
CHARLTON netballers wore the black armband this week in honour of Marie Bennett who passed away on the May 18.
CHARLTON netballers wore the black armband this week in honour of Marie Bennett who passed away on the May 18.
Marie was a very proud Nana to a number of current players and beloved mother to many of our past players also. The club’s thoughts are with the Bennett and extended families at this time.
THE Navies faced a tough challenge in the 14 and Under B match, going down to Calder United.
Despite the scoreboard reading 9-1 at quarter time, the contest was far more evenly matched than the score suggested, with the Navies battling hard but struggling to convert from the second phase after centre passes.
Charlton lifted defensively in the second quarter, restricting Calder to just three goals through strong all-court pressure, highlighted by the efforts of Isabella and Yazmin in the goal circle.
Marlly worked tirelessly in the goal ring, creating stronger positioning and providing the Navies with greater opportunities at the post. Molly came into the game strongly in the third quarter, taking an impressive intercept and working hard on the wing to drive the ball out of defence.
In the final term, Lily produced a standout defensive performance, taking numerous clean intercepts, helping to keep Calder to just two goals for the quarter.
The final margin did not reflect the effort displayed, the Navies showed determination and strong defensive pressure throughout the match.
Bendigo Bank Best: Molly R, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Marlly M, Rex Theatre “Have a Crack”: Yazmin H-J
CHARLTON started strongly in the 14 and Under A match, matching Calder across the court in an impressive opening term.
Sophie and Rosie both collected important intercepts, while the Navies’ open movement in attack created numerous opportunities at the post.
At quarter time, Calder held only a narrow four-goal lead.
The second quarter continued in much the same fashion, with Charlton’s defensive pressure intensifying.
Marley and Arlie consistently won clean ball and forced several turnovers, while Lily and Rosie combined well in the shooting circle to create strong scoring opportunities.
Charlton adjusted its defensive line-up heading into the third quarter, with Isabella moving into the circle and Arlie shifting onto the wing.
The Navies continued to apply strong all-court defence, creating further turnovers and keeping pressure on Calder.
In the final quarter, Maddie moved into the shooting circle and provided a fresh option, converting her opportunities well.
Bendigo Bank Best: Isabella S, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Marley M, Caffeinated Chaos “Have a Crack”: Lily L
ATTACKERS had a tough day against a tall defensive line-up and found it difficult to create scoring opportunities in 17 and Under.
Despite this, they continued to work hard and move the ball well through the court when the opportunities presented.
The defenders worked tirelessly throughout the game, getting plenty of tips and rebounds against a strong opposition however it was challenging to convert these turnovers into scores.
Overall, the girls showed some really positive patches of play against a tall and strong opposition.
North Central Smash Repairs Best: Remmy Wright, FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Stella Nicolson, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Marley McGurk
CHARLTON C Grade faced a tough challenge against top-of-the-ladder Calder this week, with the girls showing great composure despite missing players and working through new combinations.
The defensive end was outstanding all game, earning the team awards for their consistent pressure and ability to create opportunities for the attack.
Tahlijia Sheahan worked strongly in GK, while Mary Anne Pollard was relentless in creating turnovers.
Ellie O’Connor worked hard through the midcourt, while the shooters battled well against strong defensive pressure.
Although Calder showed why they sit on top of the ladder, the Charlton girls should be proud of their continued improvement and effort across all four quarters.
Ergo and Mane Best: Mary-Anne Pollard, Ergo and Mane Coaches: Tahlijia Sheahan, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Tahli Roberts
B GRADE played out an exciting draw against Calder United in a game that went goal for goal all day.
Scores were locked at 8–8 at quarter time before Calder took a narrow 19–18 lead into half time.
Charlton gained momentum in the third quarter leading by seven but Calder fought back strongly to level the scores by full time.
Holly Thompson and Maggie Riley were outstanding in defence, creating plenty of turnovers, while Lacey Smith worked hard in WD to limit Calder’s attacking opportunities.
Through the midcourt, Bec Sexton and Lily Campbell transitioned the ball well into goal, where Sarah Blair, Yasmine Thompson and Chloe Walsh rotated and combined strongly with shooting accuracy. With Charlton opening up a seven- goal lead going into the final quarter fatigue set in, but the girls showed great determination and teamwork to hold on for the draw.
Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Maggie Riley, Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Sarah Blair, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Holly Thompson
A GRADE went down to Calder United 51–36 as the team continues to build combinations and connections across the court.
The return of Chloe Walsh from injury provided a welcome boost in attack, giving the feeders a tall target in the circle.
While the midcourt connections are still developing, positional changes throughout the game helped the girls find better flow and produce some strong passages of play.
It was also pleasing to see training concepts beginning to transfer into match situations.
Defence worked hard all day, however Calder capitalised on opportunities and turnovers.
Charlton are still working to push through the mental and physical challenge of third quarters, but the growth is continuing each week.
Walsh Motors Best: Yasmin Thompson, Walsh Motors Coaches: Ash Bowen Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Tessa Johnson, NetSetGoer of the Week: Olive
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