NETBALL
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
WHILE the Gippsland League is getting closer to already having its finals results etched in stone, Mid Gippsland and North Gippsland offered surprises at the weekend to toss up who exactly will come out on top.
While Moe are close to sewing up the minor premiership in the major league only halfway through the season, battles are taking place in the other two local leagues to see who can place themselves best for the post-regular season.
SERIOUSLY, what more is there to say about Moe?
After dismounting previous Grand Final opponents Warragul two weeks ago, the Lions truly look set to capture a league-first three premierships in a row come season’s end.
The Lions continued on that road to history with a 61-goal smacking of Wonthaggi at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve in Round 9.
Moe’s victory was set up through the first two quarters, holding the Power to just 13 goals to halftime, while they nailed 55 of their own.
Moe only added to the margin, scoring 20-plus in each quarter.
Ash Mawer managed 57 goals, followed by Georgia Moody (27) and Ramayer Gourley had a turn in attack for 15.
Charlie Berry (21 goals), Macy Peterson and Macie Gilmour played well in defeat for Wonthaggi.
Moe jump out to a 9-0 win-loss record, setting up another deep finals run, while the Power slump three games back of fifth with just two wins from their nine games.
THE Tigers continue at pace.
Morwell survived a bit of a scare, but managed a 55 to 43 win at Morwell Recreation Reserve over Bairnsdale.
After starting off strongly with an 18-9 start, the Redlegs picked up their tempo to come within three goals by halftime.
Morwell then steadied to go back ahead by double digits, which was enough to sustain a proceeding blip and hold onto third position on the ladder.
Holly Stephens finished with a match-high 40 goals, followed by 15 from Claire Marks.
Courtney Garth and Tanya Budge were others of significance in the Tigers’ win.
TRARALGON secured their third win of the season in a tough five-goal overcoming of Sale.
At Traralgon Showgrounds, the Maroons fought hard after a hot start from the Magpies, pushing ahead by four goals at halftime.
Even as Sale tied the match at three-quarter-time, the Maroons showed guts and resilience to steadily go past the Magpies.
A mixture of Grace Van Tilburg (22 goals), Emma White (18) and Sophie Lecchino (13) provided the scoring punch, while Milly Murphy and Cassidy Smith were also exceptional for Traralgon.
Kate Van der Voort finished with 33 goals, while Mahli Stothers and Hannah Abdalla were solid in the loss for Sale.
Other games saw Leongatha defeat Maffra, 72-46 at Maffra Recreation Reserve, and Warragul handled Drouin in the Western Derby, 72-47 at Western Park on Sunday.
A SIGNIFICANT win from Mirboo North in Round 9 over Morwell East, 72-45 at Ronald Reserve, kept the Tigers inside the Mid Gippsland top three.
Mirboo North poured on 23 goals while keeping the Hawks to just seven in the first quarter.
An additional 18-goal third term pushed the lead out for a handy percentage booster.
Lynette Patten and Jessica Holland were dominant with 37 and 35 goals respectively.
Yinnar laid the smack down on Thorpdale for their eighth win for the year at Yinnar Recreation Reserve.
Patty McInnes poured in 52 goals, with support from Anna Robertson (16).
Two straight losses from Newborough has slumped them to a win-loss record of 4-4, just holding onto a finals position.
The Bulldogs kept close against Fish Creek until halftime, but the Kangaroos were good enough to hold them off 52-41 at Terrill Park.
Jessica Edgar finished with 28 goals to lead Fish Creek, while Demi Caldow top-scored for Newborough with 24.
Foster beat Toora, 63-32 at Foster Recreation Reserve to reclaim top spot on the ladder; Tarwin defeated Hill End 63-37 at Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve; and MDU got by Stony Creek 51-45 at Meeniyan Recreation Reserve.
Boolarra had the bye.
CHURCHILL rode past powerhouse Sale City for their second straight win, defeating the Bulldogs by one-goal at Gaskin Park.
Despite trailing at every turn, including being six down entering the fourth quarter, the Cougars outscored Sale City 12-5 to sneak by and hand the Bulldogs their second loss in four weeks.
Sale City went undefeated in their premiership season last year and were predicted to be untouchable again this year.
Churchill’s Skye McDonald finished with 34 goals, combatting Sale City’s Charlotte Ronchi (25).
Churchill sit within the top three, as they look to take that next step come finals time, after losing the preliminary final to Heyfield last season.
After a fluctuating beginning to the season, Traralgon Tyers United produced their best result of the season, defeating Heyfield at Tyers Recreation Reserve, 45-40.
The Bombers finally found separation against the Kangaroos when it mattered most to hold onto fifth spot on the ladder.
Maleah Travers (27 goals) and Rachel Shaw (18) were significant in the win.
Woodside managed Cowwarr, 71-30 at Woodside Recreation Reserve to sit equal-first on the ladder with Sale City.
Gormandale defeated Rosedale 51-46.
Glengarry and YYN had they bye.
