ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
NETBALL
By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
GIPPSLAND League’s A Grade netball action was not so predictable.
The long drive to Traralgon didn’t faze Wonthaggi, who brought the power to win, getting a one-point victory 39 to 40.
Moe had some early worries as Drouin got the jump, leading by two goals into halftime.
The Hawks gave a good fight, matching Moe in every aspect, especially on the scoreboard, but the lionhearted side came away with two final solid quarters to get them the 52 to 49 win.
Among Drouin’s best were Lucy McKellar, Kym Diston and Ava Gaul, while Moe’s dominate three were Emma Sculley, Ramayer Gourley and Macy Gardiner.
Morwell again showed their class, easily storming through Bairnsdale in a 16 point win.
Best on for Morwell was the reliable Tanya Budge, Anna Solomon and Chloe Radford.
Sally Deller, Anna Mooney and Sophie Bulls were impressive for the Redlegs.
Warragul is taking the competition by storm. Finally on a winning run, the Gulls took down Sale in an 11-point win.
Sienna Green, Ella Rees and Kate Emerson were good in the win, while Sale’s Kate Van der Voort, Dee Dee Lambert and Lara Van der Voort were imposing.
Leongatha had an easy win over Maffra, the Parrots winning the battle of the sky 52 to 34.
The Eagles struggled to stop Jessica Edgar, Kate Browne and Taylah Brown in a stunning performance. Maffra’s Chelsea Allman, Chloe Felsbourg and Sarah Edey were valiant in the loss.
SHOCK turn of events in North Gippsland saw Woodside get knocked off top spot.
The Wildcats went down to Heyfield in a close battle, 41 to 43. The Kangaroo’s did take full advantage of Woodside’s weakened position, having come off a loss to Rosedale.
The win keeps the Roo’s in the top-four with percentage.
Heyfield’s Millie Riseley was good in the win.
The race for a top-four spot on the North Gippsland netball ladder tightens, with Rosedale and Glengarry vying for a look-in.
The Magpies have yet to make their mark and fell just short against Sale City 53 to 57.
Cowwarr gave Churchill a run for their money. The Saints got off to a hot start while the Cougars were still finding their feet.
It wasn’t until the third term that Churchill decided to turn the jets on and turn the game around. From there, the Cougars ran away with it, winning 52 to 37. Best on the court went to Destiny Mackrell. The win sees Churchill a game clear at the very top of the ladder, although the Cougars will now have to prove their worth against Sale City and the Woodside to keep it.
In other games, Rosedale got an easy 23-point win over Yarram and Gormandale got up against Yallourn Yallourn North.
Traralgon Tyers United had the bye.
IN Mid Gippsland, the upset of the round was when netball powerhouse Mirboo North went down by 17 points to Tarwin.
Boolarra continues to stun, getting over Fish Creek 56 to 37.
Hill End isn’t doing so badly despite lacking a proper A Grade side; the Rovers still managed a nine point win over Foster.
Newborough made light work of Stony Creek, defeating the Lions 58 to 35, while Morwell East also had a day out in a 29-goal victory against MDU.
Yinnar and Toora had the bye.
GIPPSLAND League will head into Round 9 this Saturday.
Bairnsdale will welcome Warragul to the City Oval court.
The Gulls have been climbing the ranks and will be a tough opposition for the Redlegs.
Morwell’s triumphant Tigers should have no problem getting through Wonthaggi Power.
Traralgon is desperate for another win and will do everything possible to take down the Sale.
Drouin really gave it their all against Moe last week, and there’s no saying they couldn’t do it again against Leongatha.
The Parrots will do well not to underestimate the Hawks.
Moe should be able to get over the line against Maffra when they welcome the Eagles to Ted Summerton Reserve.
ROUND 8 of Mid Gippsland has already started, with Morwell East and Foster having already played that match at the start of the year.
The two teams will have the week off this Saturday.
In other games, Yinnar will play Fish Creek in what might be a pretty close match, and
Boolarra will play Mirboo North, with the Demons tipped to take the chocolates after an underwhelming Tiger side went down to Tarwin.
Toora will take on MDU, and Tarwin will go head-to-head with Hill End.
Newborough and Stony Creek will have the bye.
NORTH Gippsland was nice enough to instate a King’s Birthday bye round, so teams can enjoy a lovely long weekend while the rest of the region slogs it out.
