NETBALL
By LIAM DURKIN
NETBALL action resumes following the Easter break across Gippsland this weekend.
Games are spread out from Friday to Sunday, accommodating a couple of marquee matches.
Gippsland League clubs Morwell and Traralgon play on Anzac Day this Friday, as do Traralgon Tyers United and Rosedale in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League.
On Sunday, Mid Gippsland clubs Boolarra and Morwell East clash on ‘Mitch Robinson Day’, when the Demons’ senior football team welcomes the former AFL player for a one-off game.
Mid Gippsland
ROUND 3 in Mid Gippsland looks fairly predictive, with stronger teams wanting to bank wins in the early part of the season.
Mirboo North should account for Tarwin, and the same can be said for Yinnar over Stony Creek, Foster against Thorpdale, Fish Creek opposed to Toora, and reigning premier Meeniyan Dumbalk United, who could be in for a big percentage booster over returning A Grade side, Hill End. (Newborough has the bye).
Morwell East will also look to spoil the Demons’ party.
North Gippsland
THE feature North Gippsland clash between TTU and Rosedale has the makings of a great contest.
Bombers coach Rachael Shaw has recruited old Moe teammate Maleah Travers this season, and will be hoping the inclusion tops the list off nicely.
Heyfield will be expected to dispose of Yallourn Yallourn North with relative ease, as will reigning premier Sale City over Cowwarr.
Glengarry versus Churchill posses interest, given both sides are coming off a break for different reasons – the Cougars due to a bye, the Magpies due to no game last week against Yarram who is not fielding an A Grade side this season.
Woodside and Gormandale have the bye.
Gippsland League
MORWELL should be confident heading to Traralgon.
The Tigers beat a well-credentialed Drouin in Round 1, and were ahead against likely top three side Warragul for large parts last round.
The Maroons might not be favoured to win, but appear to be strategically putting things in place to increase their chances in coming years. Traralgon has intentionally appointed non-playing coaches across the grades this season to further educate young players.
The match at Ted Summerton Reserve between Moe and Maffra could get ugly for the visitors on Saturday.
The Lions, with virtually all their premiership team still playing, are playing a side that has won one game in two years.
Draw your own conclusion there.
Elsewhere, Wonthaggi will get a good early indication of where they sit when they host Drouin.
Warragul should have no trouble accounting for Sale on the road, while Bairnsdale will fancy their chances against Leongatha at home.
