NETBALL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

THREE and four weeks remain in each of the three netball leagues across the Latrobe Valley, with a microscope being further shone on the final rounds of the home-and-away season.

While the major league will most certainly come down to a battle between the top two, maybe top three, the other two competitions have a much more even flow through the top of each ladder.

 

Gippsland League

THE reigning back-to-back premier have shown no signs, even late into 2025, that they will be toppled come season’s end in the Gippsland League.

Despite facing a formidable Drouin outfit at a neutral venue at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve, Moe were worlds apart from their competitor on the day, winning 74 to 51.

Returning to their best shape after the league bye a few weeks ago, the Lions created necessary separation by limiting the scoring output of the Hawks in the first quarter, leading 20-9 at the first break that carried through the final three terms of action.

Moe rotated their attacking positions throughout the day, with Georgia Moody (27 goals), Ramayer Keilty (24), and Ashlea Mawer (23) adding a punch at the post.

Charlize Traumanis was still as dangerous for Drouin, with a game-high 33 goals.

The Lions currently sit a game clear for first position on the ladder, while the Hawks hold onto fourth place being ahead of Bairnsdale.

Morwell did what was necessary against Leongatha, 48-39 at Leongatha Recreation Reserve, practically locking down third spot on the ladder.

After a great start to the game for the Tigers, leading by seven goals, the Parrots slowly scraped closer and closer through the middle two quarters.

At three quarter time, Morwell led by only 33-30 before jumping back to their best with a 16-9 final stand.

Chloe Radford was a standout for the Tigers, followed by Tanya Budge, Jayde Parsons, and 32 goals from Holly Stephens.

Mikaeli Hilliar (21 goals) led the way for Leongatha, alongside Gemma Meadley and Audrey McGannon.

Warragul keep themselves right behind Moe with an 80-48 victory over Traralgon at Western Park.

The two sides did battle in the first quarter, with the Gulls leading narrowly by one goal at the first break.

Warragul extended their lead to eight by the end of the first half, before wrapping up the win with a 44-20 final half.

With Emma Ryde producing 77 goals, she now moves 19 away from becoming the first Gippsland League player to pass 1000 goals for a season. She still has four games to play before the Gulls head into a redemptive finals campaign.

Sophie Lecchino (15 goals), Cassidy Smith, and Montanna Styles were best for Traralgon.

Other results included; Sale picking up their second win of the season over Wonthaggi, 50-40 at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, and Bairnsdale defeating Maffra, 80-28 at Maffra Recreation Reserve, keeping them in the finals window.

 

Mid Gippsland

WHILE games weren’t spell bounding in Round 15 of Mid Gippsland, it further stamps the importance of the final three rounds of the season.

Morwell East keep themselves in touch with the top six with a win over Boolarra, 64-46 at Ronald Reserve.

The Hawks separated from their opponent over the course of the second half, which was highlighted by 46 goals from Myah Healey.

Mirboo North laid waste to Hill End, 81-32 at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve, keeping the Tigers in fourth-place on the ladder.

Their second straight loss, Yinnar succumbed to MDU, 54-30 at Meeniyan Recreation Reserve.

Tarwin were too good for Thorpdale, winning 93-18 at Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve.

Foster clinched the minor premiership with a 40-31 win over Toora at Toora Recreation Reserve.

Fish Creek, Newborough, and Stony Creek had the bye.

 

North Gippsland

PERHAPS the closest of any of the leagues, North Gippsland clubs continue to do battle.

Heyfield climbed into the top five for the first time all season with a 43-40 defeat of fellow finals contender Gormandale at Gordon Street Reserve.

The game continued to go back-and-forth in what could easily be a possible finals matchup in a few weeks’ time, but the Kangaroos outscored the Tigers 11-7 in the final term to sneak by at home.

The result moves Gormandale outside of a finals position, but can jump right back in with a win over Cowwarr this weekend and Heyfield with a bye.

Churchill continue to make strides with a convincing 53-22 win over Woodside at Woodside Recreation Reserve.

Sale City bounced back with a 62-58 defeat of Glengarry at Glengarry Recreation Reserve that moves the Bulldogs into second spot on the ladder.

Yallourn Yallourn North secured their fourth victory of the season with a win over Cowwarr, 67-42 at Cowwarr Recreation Reserve.

Rosedale and TTU had the bye.