NETBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
DOMINANT displays were showcased in the Gippsland League at the weekend.
While a majority of Round 8 played out with substantial victories, most eyed or kept close tabs on the Grand Final rematch that took centre stage between back-to-back reigning premier Moe and Warragul.
SUPREMACY continues.
The Lions inflicted Warragul’s first loss of the season at Ted Summerton Reserve, while simultaneously extending their hot start to eight straight wins.
Moe kept decent distance over the Gulls all day to win 63 to 57.
Returning to the hardcourt after a few home games spent indoors across at Moe P.L.A.C.E, the chilled weather outdoors didn’t deter the Lions’ super team.
The tight-knit premier had extra motivation to secure the four points, with consistent centre Charlize Bird celebrating her 100th senior game – one of a handful of Moe players to feature in all three of Moe’s recent premiership dominance.
While both sides have sat as the two clear top teams through the opening point of the season, once the game got underway, a difference of who was lining up compared to last September was clear.
The two top shooters in the 2024 Grand Final of Ramayer Gourley (Moe) and Emma Ryde (Warragul) were now direct opponents, with the Lions securing the talents of Tasmanian state player Ashlea Mawer during the offseason, pushing Gourley to her more natural position of goalkeeper.
Ryde scored two quick goals within the first 30 seconds, only for Moe to knock in 11 of the next 15 scores to go ahead by five goals.
Despite Warragul’s best efforts and intentions, that cushion carried the Lions through to the first break, with a lead of 18-13.
Gulls goal keeper Ella Rees was definitely made to work against Mawer, who seemingly converted every opportunity, or even if she missed, grabbed a rebound for a second chance on every occasion.
Added to that Mawer mauling, she was also supported by Georgia Moody, finding goals more consistently as well in the second quarter.
That equal scoring boost elevated Moe’s separation with Warragul even further, as when halftime arrived, the Lions held a double digit lead.
As play returned, Moe pressed forward, but Rees garnered some crucial stops against Mawer to then see the ball swing back down the opposite end as Ryde converted automatically – cutting the lead to eight goals.
Even with that quick burst, the Lions’ passing ability was second to none, and despite the still new entrance of Mawer into the attacking circle, Moe’s connection was undeniable.
With that, Moe maintained control and responded at every push by Warragul to hold a similar lead throughout the middle stages of the third quarter.
Warragul began to chip away at their deficit, getting it to its closest since the beginning of the match at a six-goal difference.
Moe still managed to withstand and hold fort through to the last rest period with the score reading 47-41.
As Warragul etched the margin to five goals, rose Jordan Pyle, supporting Gourley who was toughly managing Ryde with a few significant deflections which resulted in the ball ending up down the other end for a conversion.
While the Gulls did not give in at any stage, with the fourth quarter a stalemate in terms of score, Moe require an otherworldly zone to overcome if behind.
The Lions held strong until the end with Olivia Barnett, coach Alex Moody and sister Georgia making up some of the best players on the day.
Georgia scored 18 goals to support Mawer’s 45, which subdued Ryde’s 54 tally.
Warragul had Renee Cook, Rees, and Mackenzie Minichiello as their best.
MORWELL held onto third position with a 55-40 victory over battlers Sale.
Out at the Sale Oval Court, the Tigers did the majority of their best work during the opening stanza to give themselves leeway throughout the rest of the game.
The Magpies fought hard, especially in the last three quarters, but Morwell are on a warpath to return to finals after a rare miss last season.
Holly Stephens scored a match-high 41 goals, while Jayde Parsons and Hayley Stringer performed greatly.
Mahli Stothers, Tash Bedggood and Ashleigh Keefe contributed well in defeat.
IN the Bairnsdale Big Freeze, the Redlegs froze out Traralgon 50-28 at Bairnsdale City Oval.
While the home side banged on 25 goals through to halftime, the Maroons were limited to 13 in the same period.
Traralgon mounted a comeback as play returned, picking up their intensity significantly to draw closer.
Bairnsdale switched back on and shut out the Maroons in the final term, 17-3 to stop any chances of an away pip.
Myah Healey (30 goals) and Anna Mooney (20) were difference makers, with Sally Deller and Paris Dunkley other great contributors.
Bronwyn Tebb, Ashlyn Pavey and Montanna Styles were admirable in Traralgon’s loss.
OTHER results included Leongatha dismantling Wonthaggi at Leongatha Recreation Reserve, 48-31, and Drouin dominating Maffra at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve, 62-18.
