It was a big week for the Castlemaine Magpies as they farewelled their mate Dallas Keogh-Frankling on Friday in a memorial service at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Castlemaine.
Members of the Castlemaine FNC, Kyneton FNC, Harcourt Cricket Club and other clubs formed a guard of honour as his cortege left for the Harcourt Cemetery.
His dad Mark said Dallas continued to make everyone proud through his ability to bring people together and by showing the widespread impact he had on the community during his young life.
Dal’s wake was held at the CFNC social rooms and the club thanked their volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
Club officials said they were sure Dal would have been pleased to see the footy kicked around on the day despite the stuffy suits and dress shoes.
On Saturday the rain held off as the Castlemaine teams tripped up the Calder to the Dragons’ den at the Queen Elizabeth Oval for Round 8.
The Magpie netballers were eager to test themselves against competition leaders Sandhurst in what proved to be a difficult day for the local netballers.
The 17/U team fought valiantly scoring 37 against the Dragons 54 with Sarah McLean showcasing her skills in tough conditions.
B Reserve 15-61 had a tougher time of it but never bowed their heads. Best on Court was Julia Soldatos.
B Grade 21-63 also had a challenging day. Shae Denahy was Best on Court.
A Reserve dug deep but the Dragons made the most of every opportunity winning 65-36. Best for the Magpies was Abbey Grindal.
A Grade put on a show against the ladder-leaders scoring 34 to the Dragons 55. Magpie Coach Fi Fowler was put to the test in defence and named Best on Court for her role in restricting the Dragons from extending their 20-goal margin.
The Under 18 footballers did their best to continue the positive momentum following their round seven win over ladder-leaders Golden Square. However, Sandhurst proved a strong adversary opening their account with a six-goal first-quarter effort they were never headed and went on to win by 88 points.
Goal kickers for the valiant Pies were Archie Rixon, Aidan Goddard and Tate Whaley. Best were Tyson Scoble, Ben Van egmond, Nick Lord, Bodhi Robinson, Aidan Goddard and Ben McConachy.
With a bolstered list, CFNCs Reserves had their best game of the season scoring two goals against second-placed Sandhurst.
The 46-point margin at the final siren was something to be proud of. Lachy Hyland achieving Best on Ground. Other top contributors included Joel Wootton, Jordan Cochrane, Laine Gibson, Tyson Cochrane and Camblar Kays.
The Senior footballers welcomed three young guns making their Senior debut on Saturday Wilson Staples, Archie Rixon and Kyan Martin.
Castlemaine started strongly kicking two goals to the Dragon’s three in the opening term to only trail by one goal at quarter-time.
The Magpies continued to thwart the home side’s opportunities in the second, entering half-time just four goals down.
Castlemaine continued to test the Dragons in the third quarter kicking three goals to Sandhurst’s four for the term. At three-quarter-time 34 points separated the sides.
The Dragons shut down any forward movement in the final quarter however, kicking away from the Magpies to win by 85 points.
Riley Pedretti put on a stand-out performance while youngster Kyan Martin was named within the best in a terrific effort in his debut senior game. Brodie Browne-Kerr, Matt Filo, David Wilson and Ethan Maltby were also top contributors.
The Magpies ended the day together with a club dinner at The Bridge Hotel Bendigo.
The Central Vic Women’s side enjoyed a league bye but the Magpie Under 16 Girls and Boys sides hit the park at Wesley Hill in Bendigo Junior Football League competition on Sunday.
The Under 16 Boys lost a tough battle to a determined Maryborough by 86 points. Best were Mitchell McKnight, Oliver Britt, Oscar Giddings, Magnus Britton and Ngolueth Nyok.
The Under 16 Girls side also had a tough battle against Golden Square going down by 25 points. Best were Tayah Williams, chloe drew, Tegan Barry, Maddyson Hewson, Chloe Butcher and Lori Whaley.
The Magpie Under 14s had a terrific 26 point win away over Rochester. Best were Zachary Thompson, Max Morgan, Jack Archer, Max Matheson, Archie Thompson, Jakoby Noulton.
This weekend the Castlemaine FNC sides host South Bendigo in round nine action. The club reminds members it has rescheduled its Dynamic Duos evening to this Saturday June 17. Buy your ticket via the Magpies website.
The Magpies Sponsors/Life Members Day will take place in Round 10 versus Maryborough at the Camp Reserve on Saturday June 24.
Senior Women’s Football side has another week’s rest this week courtesy of the bye before they host North Bendigo at the Camp Reserve for a night match on Friday June 23 at 7.15pm.
