LIAM DURKIN
NETBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By LIAM DURKIN
MOE held on for a nerve-killing victory in Round 8 of Gippsland League netball.
The Lions made the journey to Leongatha, and returned home with the four points and a lowered heart rate after scrapping through to win by one goal 56 to 55.
Momentum ebbed and flowed throughout the contest, in what was a fierce battle between two teams tipped to be among the competitions top three finishers.
If Saturday’s match was any indication, contests between Moe and Leongatha possibly in finals will make for compulsive viewing.
The win takes the Lions to outright second on the ladder, with the Parrott’s just behind them.
In first position however is Morwell, and on current form it doesn’t look like they are going to be moving from there anytime soon.
The Tigers took care of another adversary at the weekend, defeating Drouin by 24 goals.
Scarily, the Hawks are fourth on the ladder, which only serves to demonstrate just how far ahead Morwell is from most of the pack.
Tigers’ defender Shannon Freeman was best on court, while solid shooting from Saskia Enjes, Daisy Hill and Claire Allison proved instrumental in the win.
Warragul got over the top of Maffra in a hard-fought game.
The Gulls prevailed at home by four goals, winning 40 to 36.
The win was very important in the context of Warragul’s season, and keeps them within
touching distance of the top five.
Maffra meanwhile are now some way off, and will be looking to make up for lost ground during the middle stage of the season.
Jaz Hennig and Emma Allman played well for Maffra in a losing cause.
Traralgon was too strong for Sale, and won by 17 goals.
The Maroons put on a good show for their home crowd, in what a must-win game in order to keep their season on a steady path.
Traralgon is equal fifth on the ladder with Wonthaggi, who did as expected against Bairnsdale and won very easily.
MID GIPPY’S BIG GUNS CAN’T BE SEPARATED
A DRAW between Yinnar and Toora highlighted Round 7 of Mid Gippsland netball.
Both teams carrying Magpie monikers could not be separated at the final whistle, with scores deadlocked 45-each.
A sea-sawing battle ensued throughout the four quarters, only for there to be no winner or loser in the finish.
The result did however have a dramatic effect for Toora, who instantly dropped from first position on the ladder, and were replaced by Mirboo North, who by virtue of having the bye, had no control over its own destiny for the weekend.
The Tigers are now two points clear of Toora, while Yinnar is outright fourth on 22 points.
Newborough secured a strong win over Meeniyan Dumbalk United.
The Bulldogs ventured over to South Gippsland, and had a win to give them a lot of confidence after prevailing 41 to 39.
Abby Cornish, Caitlin Prestidge and Charlize Bird all played well for Newborough.
Morwell East inflicted Tarwin with a heavy defeat.
The Hawks dominated from the outset, and won 61 to 44.
Danni Dunn led the way for the winners, who stay entrenched in the top three on the ladder.
Hill End had a commanding win over Thorpdale.
The Rovers stamped their authority on the contest to win by 30 goals.
Fish Creek was too good for Boolarra, and broke away to win by 10 after the Demons put up a good fight.
Apart from the tie, the closest match of the round saw Foster just pip Stony Creek.
The Kangaroos held on to win by four goals, and gave those wearing the red and white plenty to smile about on their way home from the racecourse.
MAGPIES MAINTAIN HOLD IN NORTH GIPPY TOP THREE
CHURCHILL has well and truly started to wobble in North Gippsland netball.
The Cougars, having won three of their first five games, have now lost their last three.
The dramatic form slump continued in Round 8, as Churchill lost to Sale City by seven goals, going down 50 to 43.
A close game was played out for the most part, but in the end, the visiting Bulldogs had too many answers.
Sale City remains second on the ladder, while the Cougars are among a pack of five teams all on 12 points.
Cass Dear put in a good effort for Churchill.
Woodside was far too strong for TTU, and won by some distance.
The Wildcats have continued on their way from last season, and currently hold a one-game lead at the top of the ladder.
Heyfield and Cowwarr played a competitive match, with the Kangaroos doing enough in the end to win by six goals.
Like many others around them on the ladder, Heyfield and Cowwarr are each on 12 points.
Amazingly, Yarram is equal fifth on 12 points, the same number as the Saints, who are coming third-last.
Glengarry held on for victory against the Demons, winning 53 to 46.
The win keeps the Magpies in the top three, ahead of Rosedale, which won convincingly against Gormandale.
The Blues are well on their way to another finals berth, although securing the double chance is still very much up in the air.
Yallourn Yallourn North had the bye.
