LIAM DURKIN
NETBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By LIAM DURKIN
MORWELL maintained its strong start to the Gippsland League netball season with a win over Moe in Round 2 action.
The Tigers and Lions took all-star billing to the Morwell courts on what was a sweltering hot day that pushed most players.
A number of key match-ups added to the intrigue of what took place, most notably Morwell goalkeeper and league best-and-fairest winner Courtney Garth up against opposite number in Lions shooter Taylin Gourley, as well as Moe goal attack and Vixens academy member Georgia Moody working under the ring as well.
Another subplot on the day was Moe premiership player Shannon Freeman coming up against her old side for the first time.
Somewhat ironically, the defender came up against Moe on the very court the Lion’s celebrated their greatest netball triumph in 2018.
Freeman, a two-time Victorian representative, has joined the Tigers this season and the team looks, on paper at least, to have one of the strongest defences ever assembled with Garth, Freeman and Tanya Budge all in the mix.
Morwell proved its credentials in the contest against a highly-fancied Moe, eventually winning 50 to 43.
The Tigers looked to be working in sync during the second half, and forced the Moe players to become hesitant on occasions.
With a manageable buffer established midway through the third quarter, both teams wrestled ascendency, but it was Morwell who were able to control the match for longer periods.
Tiger’s centre Chloe Radford celebrated her 50th A Grade match with a win, adding to the good feeling around the camp.
ELSEWHERE, Traralgon was defeated by Drouin 43 to 37.
The Hawks confined the Maroons to their second loss from as many starts, after Traralgon went down to Leongatha last week.
While it is only early days, Traralgon is facing a similar road to last season, where it took the side a good four or so weeks before it started stringing some wins together.
Things do not get any easier for the Maroons, as they take on Morwell next round.
OTHER results saw Wonthaggi hold on for a gutsy 31-26 win over Warragul on the road, while Maffra was too strong for Bairnsdale, winning 54-26 at home and Leongatha gave Sale a decent drubbing, claiming a 74-20 victory at Sale.
MID GIPPSLAND NETBALL SEASON IS NOW UNDERWAY
MID Gippsland netball began in earnest last Saturday.
League powerhouse Yinnar picked up where it left off last season, taking to their home court and defeating Tarwin comfortably 56-32.
The Magpies did not drop a game in 2021, and in the eyes of many, will again be the team to beat this season under the coaching of Skye McDonald.
Mirboo North was too strong for Hill End.
The Tigers could hardly be faulted in their effort and execution, as they won 70-42 at home.
Jess Holland collected best-on-court honours, while Louisa Pratt also played well.
Boolarra, under the coaching of netball warrior Greta Douch, got a win to start their season on a positive note.
The Demons defeated their moniker namesakes from MDU, winning against the other Demons 34-26 at Boolarra.
Newborough was well beaten at home by Toora 57-34, although new Bulldogs coach Sammy Waters might see that the team is now better for the experience. Demi Caldow, Charlize Bird and Caitlin Prestidge played well for Newborough in a losing cause.
Thorpdale and Stony Creek played out a competitive match at Thorpdale.
The Blues applied strong defensive pressure, but it was wasn’t enough as the Lions took out a 33-26 victory.
Alex Hopkins played well for the Blues and was named best-on, while Brooke Weatherhead did a good job as well.
Fish Creek had all the answers for Foster.
The travelling Kangaroos hopped into the Foster Showground and bounded away to a 36-22 win over the Tigers.
Morwell East had the bye.
GLENGARRY POWERS TO A BIG WIN IN NORTH GIPPY
GLENGARRY recorded a resounding win over Traralgon Tyers United in Round 2 of North Gippsland netball.
The Magpies prevailed at home, winning 62-30.
The result keeps Glengarry’s unbeaten start to the season intact, following their thrilling two-goal victory over Churchill last week.
The Cougars got their first win of the season, courtesy of a 55-22 win over Gormandale.
Making the trip to a place known as the ‘Boneyard’, Churchill was able to build on its dominance throughout the game, eventually taking the margin well out to over 30 goals.
Cassidy Vroegop was voted best-on-court for the Cougars.
Woodside proved it may well be the real deal in 2022.
The Wildcats took care of traditional powerhouse Rosedale with minimal fuss, winning 61-46 on the Blues home court. While it is only Round 2, a win of this magnitude will surely send an ominous warning to the rest of the competition.
Sale City got on the court for the first time this season, and celebrated with a 44-30 win over Heyfield on the road.
There was some positives though for the Kangaroos, as Millicent Riseley made her A Grade debut.
Round 2 of the NGFNL will conclude on Good Friday, as Yarram and Yallourn Yallourn North clash at the formers home court.
Players now have the chance to recover and refresh for Round 3 which will take place on April 23.
Sale City will host Rosedale in what looms as a tight contest, while YYN and Glengarry will clash.
TTU and Gormandale will go into their match-up each confident of walking away victorious.
Cowwarr returns from the bye and will play Churchill and Woodside plays traditional rival Yarram coming off a seven-day break.
