NETBALL
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
THE typical winners were seen across all three leagues in netball ranks.
As we officially have moved past the midway mark of each seasons, the backend of the year will shape the sides that will be destined for more and show those who are a year away.
MORWELL snuck past a determined Drouin outfit by four goals in Round 10, as the Tigers create further separation between the top three in the Gippsland League and the rest.
The first quarter ended in a stalemate, 11-all, but Morwell created a gap at Traralgon Showgrounds (Drouin playing home game there due to the Hawks seeing excavations at their home venue, keeping football off the park) extending their lead to three goals at halftime.
The Hawks continued to mount however, and kept the margin within two goals heading into the final term, but the Tigers held strong for their eighth win of the season.
Holly Stephens surged with 47 goals, while Hayley Stringer and Jayde Parsons were also significant contributors for Morwell.
Lucy McKellar and Ella Henderson were best for Drouin, while Charlie Traumanis added 28 goals and Karin Proctor 18.
MOE extended to a 10-win start to the season with a 78 to 32 win over Bairnsdale at Ted Summerton Reserve.
The match was at its closest and most competitive during the first term, but that would be the only time the Redlegs would surpass the double digit mark for a quarter, as the Lions added 43 goals in the second half.
Olivia Barnett was best on court for Moe down in defence, followed by goalkeeper Ramayer Keilty and Ashlea Mawer with 61 goals.
Sally Deller, Sophie Scott and Ruby Dunkley all performed admirably for Bairnsdale.
THE Maroons keep themselves in the hunt for finals with a four-goal win over Leongatha.
Out at Leongatha Recreation Reserve, Traralgon created the necessary separation in the first term, leading 16-12 at quarter time.
They extended that slightly through to halftime, but the Parrots didn’t give in and brought it back to a two-goal margin at three quarter time. Traralgon displayed guts and determination to see out their fourth win of the season.
Emma White with her 40 goals was best on court for the Maroons, followed by Milly Murphy and Emily Scholtes.
Lauren Redpath, Gemma Meadley and Ausrey McGannon (19 goals) were best for Leongatha.
Other results saw Warragul dominate Wonthaggi, 87-30 at Western Park, and Maffra collected their first win for the season, coming in a three-goal victory over Sale at Maffra Recreation Reserve.
YINNAR continued on their path for retribution for the Mid Gippsland flag with a 54-goal thrashing of Hill End at Willow Grove Recreation Reserve in Round 10.
Patty McInnes finished with 41 goals for the Magpies, supported by Claire Thorburn (34).
Newborough suffered their fifth loss on the season after a four goal loss to Toora at Toora.
The Bulldogs were outworking the Magpies through three quarters, leading at every turn including a five-goal margin at halftime, but succumbed when it mattered most.
Hannah Weston’s 36 goals for Toora combatted the efforts of Demi Caldow (28) and Caitlin Demczuk (19).
Boolarra lost 64-52 to Tarwin at Boolarra Recreation Reserve, Fish Creek handled Thorpdale 70-13 at Thorpdale, Foster defeated Stony Creek 78-34 at Stony Creek Recreation Area, and MDU snuck by Mirboo North 52-49 at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve.
Yinnar and Foster sit atop the Mid Gippsland ladder with nine wins each to date.
Morwell East had the bye.
DESPITE what was predicted before the North Gippsland netball season, there’s a real bloodbath at the top of the ladder.
Heyfield defeated Rosedale convincingly, 48-25 at Gordon Street Recreation Reserve to get their year back on track.
The Kangaroos moved tied with TTU for fifth spot after the win.
However, the Bombers maintained the finals position with a 71-53 defeat of Cowwarr at Cowwarr Recreation Reserve.
Churchill moved a game behind Woodside for first place after a 58-26 handling of YYN at George Bates Reserve.
Skye McDonald scored 43 goals as the Cougars continue to redeem themselves from last season’s finals disappointment.
The Wildcats defeated Glengarry 59-42 at Glengarry Recreation Reserve for their seventh win from nine games played.
Sale City and Gormandale had the bye.
