WARRAGUL has overcome a spirited Traralgon to clinch a nail-biting three-point win over the heavily-favoured Maroons in a Gippsland League thriller on Saturday.
The 7.15 (57) to 7.12 (54) win means the game of musical chairs continues in the middle of the ladder, with the Gulls moving up one spot and into the five.
Following Wonthaggi’s 10-point loss to Maffra, Warragul is now four points clear of sixth-placed Sale.
They will have an opportunity to put their place in the five beyond doubt when they host second-placed Maffra in the final round of the home-and-away season.
In a contest where neither side was able to stamp their authority on the game, the Gulls narrowly led at the first change 2.4 (16) to 2.2 (14) before heading into the main change with a 10-point lead.
Traralgon rallied in the third, booting three majors to a Warragul solitary goal to narrowly lead 6.7 (43) to the Gulls’ 5.9 (39).
Wayward kicking typified the final quarter, but Warragul’s two majors proved vital in setting up its three-point victory.
Nate Paredes led Warragul’s goal-kickers with three, while seven Maroons each contributed a single goal to the scoreboard.
Despite the loss Traralgon still holds a vice-like grip on third place heading into the final round, sitting 10 points clear of fourth-placed Drouin.
Sale v Drouin
SALE has extended its winning streak at Drouin by sealing a convincing 10.15 (75) to 7.6 (48) win over the Hawks.
The Magpies took no prisoners in the first half, with the scores at half-time 6.9 (45) to the Hawks’ uninspiring 0.1 (1).
Drouin woke up in the second half, comfortably outscoring the Magpies in the final two terms.
But the damage was done and sixth-placed Sale will head into the final round with faint hopes of sneaking into the five when it hosts Moe.
Maffra v Wonthaggi
A gutsy performance from Wonthaggi was not enough to overcome Maffra, with the Power relinquishing its hold on fifth place in a 10-point loss to the Eagles.
The 9.12 (66) to 8.8 (56) result means the Power falls out of the five and into seventh place behind Sale.
Wonthaggi started slow and went into the main change with a 24-point deficit, but came back to boot five majors in the third to put itself in contention.
Maffra had its nose in front at three-quarter-time 7.10 (52) to 7.7 (49) and managed to hold on to seal the deal.
Moe v Bairnsdale
MOE turned in a clinical performance to seal a 40-point
While the Lions will be pleased with
Christopher Robinson led the goalkickers, booting three majors for the Lions, who will be aiming to end Sale’s finals hopes at the weekend.
Morwell v Leongatha
LEAGUE leaders Leongatha cantered to victory in their clash with Morwell at the weekend.
The Parrots cruised to the 14.15 (99) to 6.7 (43) win, despite scores being locked at 22 apiece at quarter-time.
Aaron
