NETBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
A 2017 grand final rematch between Traralgon and Drouin is shaping as the match of the round in the Gippsland league A grade netball competition with the reigning premiers on the hunt for their sixth win from as many games.
The Maroons are showing no signs of dropping off and have sealed favouritism for the 2018 flag with a commanding win over Warragul by 47 goals.
Drouin dropped their second game for the season and were thereabouts in their clash with Sale but were outrun on the road, 49-46.
Traralgon coach Caitlan Ponton said she drew confidence from her side’s win over Warragul in round five despite the absence of some key players, including former coach Kate French.
“The fact I had girls who could fill Kate’s position was great and it wasn’t going to be easy … we put a defender into wing attack in Bec Jennings,” Ponton said.
“Our main focus was not to take Warragul lightly, so we knew they were going to be tough … the fact we were up by quite a lot at half time and managed to maintain that was really pleasing.”
Ponton was wary of the Hawks ahead of this weekend’s 2017 grand final replay.
“Drouin – you can never take them lightly – and even though they lost to Sale on the weekend, anything can happen on the court,” she said.
“For some reason it seems like they play their best game against us and really bring their best to the court, so hopefully we can get the win.”
Morwell v Moe
Morwell never looked like missing in round five and brushed Maffra aside on the road to win by 22 goals.
The Tigers were bolstered by the return of goaler Daisy Hill who proved her worth as a key target moving forward.
Moe also romped home 54-30 over Leongatha in round five to record their third win of the season.
Morwell coach Rachel Allison was impressed by her side’s complete performance in round five and expected them to back it up this weekend.
She cited the return of shooter Daisy Hill as key in the Tigers’ win.
“After having Daisy away for a few weeks, it was good to get her back and she slotted back in really well, so it was nice to get back to normality.
With a young Moe side on the cards this weekend, Allison pointed to her shooters as potential game-winners.
“Hopefully with with Claire [Allison] and Daisy [Hill] shooting, we’ve now had a week to get back into it and it will flow into this week.”
Tigers defender Courtney Garth has been earmarked to play a key shutdown role while mid-courter Casey Sheriff makes her return after fulfilling football commitments.
Wonthaggi v Sale
Wonthaggi made the journey to Bairnsdale in round five and weren’t up to task against the Redlegs going down by 12 goals at the final siren.
Sale were resurgent in their round five fixture with Drouin and hosted the 2017 runner sup in style. The Magpies were steely in the final term and overran the Hawks to win 49-46.
Leongatha v Warragul
Leongatha were at the mercy of an exuberant Moe outfit in round five and couldn’t match the Lions’ run and carry on their way to a 24-goal loss.
Warragul was similarly dealt with at the weekend and were put away with ease by defending premiers Traralgon.
The Gulls couldn’t match it with the Maroons and were outclassed to the tune of 47 goals.
Bairnsdale v Maffra
Bairnsdale will look to make the most of their second consecutive home fixture this weekend when they host Maffra in round six.
The Redlegs took full advantage of Wonthaggi in round five and set the tone early, running out 12-goal victors.
Maffra were on the receiving end of a 22-goal drubbing in their round five clash with Morwell.
