NETBALL
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT and TOM HAYES
Gippsland League
GIPPSLAND League finals arrived at the weekend.
Warragul defeated Drouin 45 to 41 in the western derby Qualifying Final.
The Gulls had been on the tails of the Hawks all year, and upon an eye-raising loss to Leongatha in the final round of the home-and-away season, it appeared as though Drouin was entering finals with some question marks over their heads.
Finishing with only a game difference, these two sides matched up well, and the first final was destined to be a stand out.
There was only a total margin of five goals in matches played between the two sides during the year.
Back-and-forth throughout the opening term, Warragul managed a handy lead by three goals, up 14-11 at quarter time on the Maffra courts.
The second quarter followed the patterns of the first, bouncing up and down the court with a force at either end, and despite Drouin’s increased effort, the Gulls still won the term and were ahead 28-24 at the main break.
The Hawks regrouped and scored the first five goals of the third to take the lead by three goals.
It was all knives out at this point, with goals being traded at either end.
Warragul were the deserved victors however, with six of the last seven goals after tying the game back up to book themselves a date with minor premier Moe for a spot in the Grand Final.
Bairnsdale delivered in a satisfying home final win over Traralgon, 56-38.
T was the Redlegs first A Grade appearance on the big stage in 13 years.
Both sides locked-in finals in the concluding round of the home-and-away season, meaning it was an expected bloodbath awaiting in the elimination final.
The first quarter produced as such, with Bairnsdale ahead 10-12 on Sunday.
The second term was where the Redlegs saw true separation, and pummelled in 15 goals to the Maroons’ measly three to enter halftime up 27-13.
That was just about it as far as Traralgon was concerned, although the Maroons showed good character to draw the third quarter 14-all.
North Gippsland
NORTH GIPPSLAND FNL finals continued at the weekend with exceptional games on display.
One side progressed to the Grand Final, while one was knocked out of contention all together.
Only three remain, as an enticing Preliminary Final awaits two sides who have both gotten the best of one another this season.
Sale City put in the work early to stave off Churchill at home.
The Bulldogs remained undefeated, winning 34 to 28, clinching a spot in the Grand Final.
Wind played a factor at Stephenson Park, with both attacking ends struggling to consistently put shots away.
But it was Sale City who got used to the conditions quicker, gaining a four-goal lead by quarter time, doubling it by halftime, leading 18-10.
The Bulldogs proved why they were undefeated, continuing to keep the Cougars at bay during the third quarter.
It soon looked more and more certain that Churchill was going to have to play another game to make the Grand Final, but the tides turned in the final quarter.
Sale City still held a substantial lead, but Churchill was coming. All of a sudden, their shots were falling, and turnovers fell into their hands.
Crucial shots went amiss, as the Cougars got the margin to as low as five goals, but couldn’t get any closer, going down by six.
After playing Sale City on their home court, Churchill will now have to play Heyfield on their home court in the Preliminary Final.
The Kangaroos knocked over defending premier Woodside by five goals in the do-or-die Semi Final, 40-35 at Glengarry.
Heyfield consistently held onto their lead as the game drew along, with Woodside failing to make an impression, despite the game being in close quarters.
Heyfield will now hold some confidence going into a Preliminary Final at home, against a side they know they can beat.
Churchill only beat Heyfield two weeks ago by a goal in the Qualifying Final, so who knows what is to come.
If the Cougars can win away, not only will they make their second Grand Final in two years, but it will be their turn to play on their home court.
Mid Gippsland
SEMI FINAL action in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League ran its course, offering a final three to be reckoned with.
Fish Creek and Yinnar battled it out to the very end, with the Kangaroos eventuating one-goal winners at Newborough to advance to the Grand Final.
MDU ended Morwell East’s season in a decisive 52-44 victory at Yinnar, sending the Demons through to the Preliminary Final.
