NETBALL
By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
Gippsland League
MORWELL gave club legend, Courtney Garth even more reason to celebrate her 250th A Grade game, beating Wonthaggi 43-34 on the road in Round 2 of Gippsland League netball.
Garth set a new mark at the Tigers, becoming the first netballer to reach 250 games in the top flight.
The three-time premiership winner and league best and fairest recipient has been one of the premier local netballers over the last decade.
It was a tough day in the office for Sale, who lost to Moe 73-21.
Coming up against the reigning premier at Ted Summerton Reserve, Sale had to dig deep to register any score against the Lions.
Kristy Glover, Ashleigh Keefe and Tash Bedggood were influential for the Magpies, but despite their efforts, could not stop the shooting strength of Ramayer Gourley and Georgia Moody.
Oliva Barnett had the defence under control for the Lions, making it extremely hard for Sale to score.
Leongatha was too good for the Eagles, winning 62-25.
Leongatha took control from the start, leading 23-1 in the first quarter.
Maffra’s Kirby Boyle, Jasmyn Hennig and Jana Hennig were good even in the loss, while Leongatha’s young gun defender, Alicia Marshman stood out, with Kate Brown and ex-Mirboo North shooter, Mikaeli Hilliar also in the best.
The Western Derby might have been the match of the round, with Warragul narrowly winning over Drouin 50-47 on Sunday.
Bairnsdale and Traralgon had the bye, having played each other in a standalone match to start the season.
Mid Gippsland
YINNAR’S dominance remains unmatched in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.
The reigning premier defeated an up-and-coming Newborough side, 56-35, on their home court. It looks as though the Magpies will continue to be the team to beat in season 2024.
Thorpdale came close to securing their first A Grade win in two years, following a hiatus, but in true Demon style, Boolarra spoiled those plans, defeating the Blues 57-44.
Elsewhere, Morwell East continue to show their strength, beating Stony Creek 43-23. The Hawks look to be the only team that stand a chance against Yinnar, who sit top of the table.
Mirboo North got the better of Foster 51-38, while Tarwin came off second best last Saturday, as MDU secured a 55-31 win.
Both Toora and Fish Creek had the bye.
North Gippsland
WHAT a weekend of netball in Round 2 of the North Gippsland Football-Netball League.
Sale City really showed their bite when they defeated reigning premier, Woodside on their home deck 49-40.
The Bulldogs young guns, Ciara Fitt and Indigo Waugh caused headaches for the Woodside team, facilitating scores time and time again.
In a shock turn of events, the Wildcats have started the year with a win-loss record of 0-2 and will quickly need to get their season back on track.
In another surprise, Rosedale went down to Traralgon Tyers United 41-40.
The Bombers have certainly had a high-flying start to the season, defeating Woodside and now Rosedale.
With Gippsland League sides on a bye, it is understood Traralgon’s Montanna Styles came to TTU to fill-in, in the mid-court.
Rosedale had control of the game going into the last quarter, leading 36-30. TTU came flying home however, scoring 11-4 in the last 15 minutes to pinch the win.
Heyfield are another team showing their class this year, after defeating Glengarry 46-33. Best-on-court for the Kangaroos was Sammy Beha.
Cowwarr registered their first win of the season, defeating Yallourn Yallourn North 46-30, and Churchill got the job done against Gormandale 51-23.
Yarram had the bye.
