LIAM DURKIN
NETBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By LIAM DURKIN
THE opening round of the Gippsland League saw a number of one-sided affairs take place.
Morwell and Moe each had sizeable victories to get their campaigns off on the right note.
The Tigers, fresh from landing the huge signing of gun defender Shannon Freeman from Warragul in the offseason, gave Bairnsdale a decent drubbing, winning 69-14.
Morwell made sure it was an enjoyable trip back from East Gippsland, fulfilling coach Rachel Paterson’s desire to see that the side had a strong start to season 2022.
Moe also began the season with a win, defeating Warragul at home.
The Lions christened their new court in the best possible fashion winning 53-33, giving playing coach Ramayer Gourley a win on debut.
Best for Moe was Georgia Moody.
Traralgon had a close contest with Leongatha away from home.
Both teams enjoyed periods of dominance, but in the finish it was the Parrots who took the points in a 46-39 scorecard.
The margin proved there was very little between the sides, and Traralgon will surely welcome the rematch later in the season.
In other Gippsland League matches Drouin had too many answers for Maffra, winning 52-20.
New Eagles coach Emma Allman would have been hoping for a better performance, and the side will have a chance to rectify when it takes on Bairnsdale this Saturday.
Fellow Wellington-based club Sale also suffered a sizeable defeat, losing to Wonthaggi 65-18.
The Power was hardly challenged at home, and built on its lead as the game progressed.
The Magpies will face another challenge this weekend in the form of Leongatha, while Wonthaggi takes on Warragul.
Traralgon and Drouin will face off in what should be a great contest, but the match-of-the-round is undoubtedly Morwell and Moe, two teams tipped by many to finish inside the top three this season.
The Tigers and Lions are set to meet at Morwell.
NORTH GIPPSLAND
GLENGARRY got up in a two goal thriller to
highlight the first round of North Gippsland netball.
The Magpies and Churchill played a match for the ages, with a number of lead changes keeping supporters on the edge of their seats.
As the final whistle was blown on the Cougars courts, the scoreboard read Glengarry 36 to Churchill 34.
Rosedale had to fight hard to take the points from Yallourn Yallourn North.
The Jets showed they might be one of the competitions big improvers, taking it right up to the league powerhouse at home.
The experience of the Blues may well have been the difference in the end, as they won 48-40, but not before a tight contest saw any number of possibilities on the cards.
Cowwarr recorded a win over Gormandale.
A low scoring grind saw the Saints take the points over the Tigers 26-16.
Cowwarr took the home court advantage, and with it, victory, over a persistent Gormandale outfit that refused to yield until the game was over.
Traralgon Tyers United was well beaten by Yarram.
The Bombers battled hard on their home court, but were well beaten by the Demons in a 28-58 demolition.
With Yarram looking to break into the top five this season, victories of his magnitude may well be the difference should places in the finals come down to percentage.
Woodside got past a spirited Heyfield.
The Wildcats, who finished last season on top of the ladder, extended their lead after an arm wrestle in the early stages, eventually winning 47-31.
Sale City had the bye.
The Bulldogs will begin their season this
weekend, taking on Heyfield away.
Other Round 2 matches see Rosedale and Woodside clash, Glengarry host TTU and Churchill travel to Gormandale.
Yarram and YYN will meet on Good Friday.
Cowwarr has the bye.
