NETBALL
A REPLAY of last year’s grand final looks probable following the first round of Eastern Region State League Netball open division finals last week.
Reigning premier Alberton had the week off after finishing top, and with a semi-final showdown against Sale on Friday is favourite to go through.
Runner up Mid Gippsland Green enjoyed a win over Morwell Indoor, and will this week face Mid Gippsland White in its bid to qualify for a second straight decider. Morwell Indoor was looking to even the score after its round two loss to Green, which came into this clash depleted.
Both teams started out strong, however, an early turnover gave Green a one-goal lead in the first quarter, setting the scene for the rest of the match.
Green applied relentless pressure to expose Morwell’s defence in a 53-44 victory. The mother-daughter combination of Deirdre and Sarah Greenwood gave Mid Gippsland White the luxury of strength at both ends.
Aside from a couple of injury breaks, Deirdre was unstoppable and deadly accurate in goals for White.
North had no response for the all round court strength of White, going down by 20 goals 49-29.
The 17 and under top four was determined on Sunday in the split round when Sale defeated East Gippsland 34-25.
Sale’s persistence paid off and it now has the opportunity to usurp Alberton in this week’s final. Sale lost by just two goals to Alberton in their last encounter.
Gippsland had a field day against Mid Gippsland in a massive 60-32 win.
Alberton’s young guns pulled it together to beat North Gippsland 41-26, after the game was delayed due to a bent ring.
