LIAM DURKIN
NETBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By LIAM DURKIN
MORWELL maintained its stranglehold in Round 3 of Gippsland League netball.
The Tigers won a hotly-fought contest against Traralgon 41 to 36.
Taking visiting team status, but playing on their home court, Morwell proved to have enough answers on the day.
Courtney Garth collected accolades for best on court, and was presented with an oversized but never the less impressive cardboard sign for her efforts.
Those with a historic knowledge of netball in Gippsland might be hard pressed to find a local player who has won more club best-and-fairests than Garth, whose name seems to take
up most of the section dedicated to best-and-fairest winners on the netball honour board in the Morwell rooms.
The Tigers have now accounted for Valley rivals on either side of its location, having taken care of Moe a fortnight ago.
While it is early in the season, Morwell looks very much the team to beat.
The match against Leongatha in two weeks’ time looms as a good gauge on just how strong the Tigers line-up is.
Moe had little trouble defeating Maffra.
The Lions won easily at Ted Summerton Reserve 63 to 38.
Alex Moody was judged best on court, while younger sister Georgia shot 34 goals and Macy Gardiner also played well for the Lions.
Playing coach Ramayer Gourley spent some time under the ring, switching from her usual posting in defence and shot 27 majors.
Maffra opposite number Emma Allman battled hard for the Eagles and was named best along with Nat Allman and Jas Hennig.
Abbey Pleydell led the scoring for Maffra with 20.
Sale got its first win of the season on the board.
The Magpies proved too strong for Bairnsdale, winning 45 to 33.
Sale would have been pleased to not only get the win but to also return from the toughest road trip in the Gippsland League with the four points.
Other winners from Round 3 were Warragul, who got up in a thriller against Drouin 47 to 45, and Leongatha who broke away to defeat Wonthaggi 59 to 42.
YINNAR HOLDS ON FOR WIN
YINNAR survived a huge scare from Morwell East in Round 2 of Mid Gippsland netball.
The powerhouse Magpies were very nearly taken apart by the Hawks, who swooped in but were unable to land the killer blow in a 52 to 51 thriller.
Despite falling short, Morwell East will surely take great confidence out of the performance, knowing they can not only match it with Yinnar, but defeat them.
For the Magpies, who have hardly lost a game since 2018, the performance might provide the wake-up call they need in order to avoid complacency moving forward.
Mirboo North did a number of Newborough, winning by 30 goals.
The match was tough in the first half, but the Tigers fitness came to the fore as the game wore on.
Ebony Best did her namesake justice with a best on court performance, while Emily Loh also played well.
Mirboo North now turns its attention to the big clash with Yinnar this Saturday.
Tayla Knowles, Caitlin Demczuk and Abby Cornish battled hard for Newborough.
Boolarra made it consecutive wins to start the season, accounting for Hill End.
The Demons broke away to prevail 50 to 40.
MDU got the better of Thorpdale, claiming victory in a 57 to 28 score line, while Toora was too strong for Fish Creek, winning 43 to 30.
Tarwin secured the feel-good status out of
the round after it defeated Stony Creek 51 to 19.
Remarkably, the win marked the first A Grade win for Toora since 2017.
GLENGARRY EXTENDS UNBEATEN START TO NORTH GIPPY SEASON
GLENGARRY remains unbeaten after three rounds of North Gippsland netball.
The Magpies defeated Yallourn Yallourn North last week, getting the job done 48 to 29.
Glengarry spoilt the Jets party to an extent, as the latter was celebrating the opening of their new courts.
Trish Chapman and Paige Roberts played solid games for YYN and received plaudits for being first and second best on.
Sale City perhaps made the biggest statement, taking down Rosedale by 24 goals.
The Bulldogs had winners in every third, and maintained their perfect start to the season with a complete performance over proven
opposition.
Woodside also remains unbeaten, with its latest scalp neighbouring rival Yarram.
The Wildcats won 51 to 41.
Gormandale had reason to celebrate after defeating TTU.
The Tigers and Bombers had supporters on the edge of their seats as the game was decided by just two goals.
Gormandale had their noses in front 34 to 32 at the final whistle. Churchill and Cowwarr played out a good game, with the result going to the Cougars thanks to a 38 to 35 win.
