NETBALL

By LIAM DURKIN AND BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

MATCH of the Round will take place on the netball court in the Gippsland League this Saturday.

A tantalising top-three battle presents itself, with Morwell set to host Moe in the second half of the Round 7 split round.

The Tigers have lost just one game this season – the Lions none.

Morwell’s defeat came at the hands of second-placed Warragul, who are expected to mount the strongest challenge in Moe’s quest of completing a hat-trick of premierships this season.

The Lions have the Gulls to come next round, but before that, will need to deal with the Tigers.

Moe playing-coach Alex Moody said the side was vary the danger their traditional rival possessed.

“We’re fully aware Morwell are not the same team they were last year and have some great inclusions,” she said.

“Their team is full of experienced country netballers who we really respect.

“The key to winning this game will simply come down to everybody executing their role.

“Our pressure defensively has been a little bit inconsistent the last few weeks and we will need to pick that up playing against Morwell and then Warragul the week after.”

Moe and Morwell have featured in the last four grand finals, with premierships split two-all. The Lions will be without premiership player, Jordan Pyle due to WNBL commitments, but she is expected to come back into the team for the Warragul clash.

Star Warragul shooter Emma Ryde played for Casey against Gippsland Stars in the Victorian Netball League on Sunday, coming up against Morwell’s Chloe Radford and Moe’s Ramayer Keilty.

Ryde nearly brought up the ton for the Gulls last Saturday, shooting 91 goals against Maffra.

In what became ugly scenes at Western Park as far as the Eagles were concerned, Warragul shot 26, 21, 25 and 23 goals across four quarters, while Maffra didn’t reach double figures in any.

Helping Ryde to her haul was Naomi Allardyce and Jaime Rollinson.

Ava Buckland, Tilly Pendergast and Sienna Wynd battled hard for the Eagles.

Traralgon played in the first week of the split round, and added another blow to Wonthaggi’s finals aspirations, beating the Power 65 to 44.

Emma White almost outscored Wonthaggi herself, shooting 40 goals on the Maroons’ home court. Ashlyn Pavey and Milly Murphy also played well, while Chelsea Bowman, Olivia Gilmour and Mia Plenkovich did a good job for the visitors.

Completing the split round this weekend sees Sale host Bairnsdale and Leongatha play Drouin.

 

ROUND 7 of both Mid Gippsland and North Gippsland netball brought with it some surprising takeaways, with both leagues seeing flow down each ladder.

Newborough snuck by Tarwin 47 to 46 keeping the Bulldogs within the top six.

Played out at Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve, the Sharks positioned themselves well early with a 13-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Bulldogs’ scoring and intensity jumped in the second term, producing a 14-goal period to nine to be down by just three goals.

While Newborough was now matching and even slightly succeeding Tarwin’s output, they still faced a three quarter time deficit, but then grabbed the game when it truly counted.
Demi Caldow poured in 27 goals and Caitlin Prestidge added 20.

In a matchup between first and second, Foster grabbed the points against Yinnar, 48-41 at Yinnar Recreation Reserve.

While the Magpies held a four-goal lead at quarter time, the Tigers evened up the contest 22-all before halftime.

After the main break, not much could separate either side, but Foster made slightly more of their opportunities to hold a two-goal lead with a quarter to spare.

A 14-9 final term stretched out the lead enough for the Tigers to feel comfortable.

Claire Thorburn and Patty McInnes both shot 18 goals for Yinnar in defeat.

Thorpdale proved little match for Boolarra.

At Boolarra Recreation Reserve, the Demons picked up the victory 61-34, thanks to a 31-goal second half.

Lara Noblett top-scored with 41 goals and was supported by 10 apiece from Aleeah Munnich and Phoebe Cavill.

Toora came to Ronald Reserve and bested Morwell East.

The Magpies won 41-36 despite some pushback from the home side.

The Hawks held a three-goal lead after the first quarter, but were outscored 34-26 the rest of the way.

Alice Mills scored 29 goals for Morwell East.

Mirboo North defeated Stony Creek, 52-40, while Hill End had the bye.

 

OVER in North Gippsland, Gormandale made the trek to Woodside and slayed the Wildcats, 40-31.

Woodside was leapt from the word go and trailed 12-6 at Woodside Recreation Reserve after the first quarter.

The home side could never find themselves in the game, and the lively Tigers kept chugging along towards eventual success.

Maddy Dark scored a game-high 38 goals for Gormandale.

After losing their first two matches, the Tigers have won four in a row.

TTU collected their third win for the season at Tyers Recreation Reserve over Yallourn Yallourn North, 57-42.

The Jets were made to pay after giving up a 16-8 deficit in the first quarter, but they momentarily recovered towards halftime but still couldn’t stop the Bombers attack.

A 28-goal scoring explosion in the second half for TTU wrapped things up nicely.

Maleah Travers (32 goals) and Rachel Shaw (25) split the scoring load.

Heyfield bested Glengarry, 58-36.

Responding after a surprising loss to Gormandale, the Magpies were the Kanagroos unfortunate victim in response.

Heyfield poured in 21 goals to eight in the first quarter, which set up their victory entirely.
Phoebe Richardson scored 34 goals, followed by Chloe Jones with 24.

Sale City again proved why they are the best team in the competition, easily taking care of Rosedale 58-38, at Rosedale Recreation Reserve.

Cowwarr and Churchill had the bye.