LIAM DURKIN
NETBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By LIAM DURKIN
MORWELL continues to set a hot pace in Gippsland League netball.
The Tigers won again at the weekend, taking care of Wonthaggi.
It took the home side a while to get going, but they were able to break away and win 53 to 35.
Moe secured an important win over Drouin.
Travelling west to take on the Hawks, the Lions passed what was something of a litmus test against a side hovering within close proximity on the ladder.
Laini Galea was best for the victors, who won 61-34.
Traralgon made it three wins in a row.
The Maroons travelled to Bairnsdale, and ensured it was an enjoyable trip home after recording a win to the tune of 21 points.
The result keeps Traralgon in the hunt for a finals berth, and they will start favourite in their next two games against Sale and Maffra as the halfway mark of the season looms.
Sale still only has one win to its name, and was unable to get over the top of Warragul last weekend.
The Magpies went down at home 49-30.
Maffra was also defeated on their home court, losing to Leongatha 57-37.
There was better news for the Eagles longevity stakes, as Chloe Felsbourg and Chloe Smith, both still eligible for the Under 15s, made their A Grade debut.
The Parrots are looking to be the most likely team to topple Morwell in the quest for the premiership.
Leongatha is second on the ladder, and along with Moe, could thrive on the notion of hunting the Tigers as opposed to being the hunted.
MID GIPPSLAND
MIRBOO North remains unbeaten in Mid Gippsland netball.
The Tigers have won six games from as many starts, with their latest victory being a crushing 99-45 win over Boolarra.
By virtue of there being byes in the MGFNL competition, Mirboo North is second on the ladder, with Toora on top.
The Magpies have won five games and dropped none, and hold the lofty first place thanks to a percentage of 213.68.
Toora was able to increase its percentage at the weekend, as it disposed of Meeniyan Dumbalk United.
The match was won by the Magpies in a 44-22 score line.
In terms of percentage, Morwell East actually has the highest. The Hawks sit third with 20 points and a percentage of 228.99.
Morwell East took care of Newborough, winning 62-39 under lights at the nest.
Sukie Hodgson played a great game for the winners and was named best on court.
The Bulldogs were well served by Amber Macmanus, Tanya Knowles and Elise Sim making a special appearance.
Hill End won by 10 goals against Foster.
The Rovers took their ledger to 2-4 to stay in the hunt for a finals berth.
Jessica Baillie and Katie Martin were instrumental in the win.
Yinnar had too many answers for Thorpdale.
The Magpies annihilated the Blues to keep their top four position fully entrenched.
Stony Creek had the bye.
percentage in Mid Gippsland netball. file photograph
NORTH GIPPSLAND
WOODSIDE proved its worth in Round 7 of North Gippsland netball.
The Wildcats defeated worthy opponents in Churchill, getting the job done 38-23.
The victory ensured Woodside remained unbeaten, while the Cougars have slipped to 3-3 following an indifferent few weeks.
Emily Lugton battled hard for Churchill.
Georgie Banik played her 150th match for the Wildcats, and celebrated in the best possible fashion.
The Banik name is synonymous with Woodside, with the most famous of course being Anthony (Georgie’s dad), who was taken at Number 1 in the 1989 AFL Draft by Richmond.
Banik played his first senior game as a 14-year-old for what was then Won Wron-Woodside in 1987, kicking three goals against Yarram.
Legend has it Kevin Sheedy, having heard of Banik’s potential, sent an Essendon official all the way down to Won Wron for the game.
Yallourn Yallourn North continued their good recent form.
The Jets defeated TTU 44-27 in a match that saw YYN control most passages of play.
Trish Chapman played a great game for the Jets, as did Annalise Gafa.
Heyfield won its second match for the season, getting over Gormandale by 20 goals, prevailing 37-17.
Glengarry solidified its credentials further, winning against Rosedale 61-51.
A high scoring game went hand-in-hand with a high-stakes affair that pitted two finals aspirants against each other.
The Magpies win now sees them equal second on the ladder with Sale City.
The Blues meanwhile, are in unfamiliar territory outside the top five with a 3-3 record.
The A Grade competition is certainly an even one, with five teams all on 12 points.
Amazingly – eighth is equal fourth.
Yarram had the bye.
