NETBALL
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
PLENTY of netballers hit the court across the Anzac Day weekend, as all three leagues got in the important celebrations.
A total of six matches went ahead on Anzac Day itself, while others got to work last Sunday.
Gippsland League arch rivals Moe and Traralgon were pitted under lights at the redeveloped Traralgon Recreation Reserve on Saturday night.
The experienced Lions did what was required at every turn to pinch an away victory, 56 to 45.
While Moe only led by three goals at the first break, that soon after went to seven and then nine and then eventually the final margin.
Emma McMillan was an ace at the post with 36 goals for the Lions, while Emma White (21) and Lara Noblett (17) were again damaging.
Alex Moody, Jordan Pyle and McMillan were standouts for Moe.
Marley Wallace, White and Montanna Styles were noted for their individual performances for Traralgon.
On Sunday, Morwell fell against Bairnsdale at Morwell Recreation Reserve.
The Tigers were outdone by 14 goals, 49-35, as the Redlegs have pounced early this season with three straight wins out of the gate.
While Morwell did well early, the second quarter truly let them down, as they conceded 14 goals to their lone five to be down double digits at the main break.
Ultimately, that was all that was required of Bairnsdale to see them to the win.
Anna Mooney piled on 35 goals, with support from Chloe Felsbourg with 14.
Paris Dunkley was best-on-court, followed by Jodan O’Connor and Mooney.
Anna Solomon, Chloe Radford and Izabella Rosato were best for Morwell.
Other results included Drouin defeating Wonthaggi, 78-51 at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve on Anzac Day, while Leongatha went past Maffra, 61-41 at Maffra Recreation Reserve and Sale grabbed their first win of the season over Warragul, 39-37 at Western Park.
JUST three matches were played in North Gippsland.
Only one of those was somewhat close, with Woodside defeating Glengarry by eight goals, 48-40 at Woodside Recreation Reserve.
The Wildcats, who’ve returned to premiership contention, had a difficult time breaking away from the Magpies.
It took Woodside until the final quarter to create enough separation to secure the win.
The Wildcats had scoring power from Faith Biddle (26 goals) and Tavia Field (21), while Glengarry’s Eva Tatchell put forth 26 goals in her own right.
With the result, Woodside have moved to clear first on the ladder after three early wins.
Churchill overcame an early push from Yallourn Yallourn North to win convincingly in the end, 57-30 at Gaskin Park.
The Jets looked like they could mount a surprise performance against the reigning premier however, after five minutes, the Cougars ran all over their visiting opponent.
Cassandra Wass (33 goals) and Skye McDonald (24) were as damaging as ever, while Zekiya Glibanovic finished with 23 goals.
Traralgon Tyers United added their first win of the season with an emphatic punch.
The Bombers defeated Cowwarr, 65-19 at Tyers Recreation Reserve.
Staggeringly, only three weeks into the season, four teams didn’t play at the weekend.
Gormandale, Heyfield, Rosedale and Sale City all had the bye.
BY the end of Round 3, Mid Gippsland has seven teams with multiple wins and eight teams overall who’ve celebrated.
On Anzac Day, Yinnar got the job done against Tarwin, 50-42 at Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve.
After a strong start from the Magpies, the home team Sharks won the second quarter, 14-11 to sneak within three goals at halftime.
Yinnar cranked up a level to begin the second half, finishing in front by six goals and going even better in the final quarter.
Patty McInnes added 32 goals for the Magpies, while Tarwin were led by Imogen Law with 33.
Mirboo North got back to their winning ways against Boolarra.
The Tigers defeated the Demons, 64-42 at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
Never really in trouble, a blistering third quarter from the home side kept Boolarra at bay.
Jessica Holland starred with 44 goals for Mirboo North, while Ellie Coutts made her A Grade debut for the Demons and finished with 28.
On Sunday, Toora were too much for Morwell East, winning 52-31 at Toora Recreation Reserve.
After a strong first quarter from the Hawks, the Magpies controlled the game the rest of the way.
Brydie Vening (29 goals) and Tayah Jenkins (23) were best for Toora.
Nothing could separate Stony Creek and Newborough, as the two sides played out a draw at Stony Creek Racecourse and Recreation Area, 41-all.
The Bulldogs overcame a poor start, trailing by five goals at the first break and still looking at a deficit of three goals at halftime.
Newborough eventually got in front as the final term began, but as the game proceeded to go back-and-forth, the two teams finished at a tie.
Tahni Hodgens (28 goals) and Paige Dabb (13) performed well for the Bulldogs, while Stony Creek’s Livinia Mandemaker finished with a game-high 36 goals.
Fish Creek won by 44 goals over Hill End at Willow Grove Creation Reserve.
Jessica Edgar (40 goals) and Audrey McGannon (21) were the Kangaroos’ standouts.
