Liam Durkin
SALE extended its winning streak to six over Maffra in Round 1 of the Gippsland League.
The Magpies defeated the Eagles in a high-scoring game to start the season, 16.15 (111) to 12.7 (79).
An eight-goal second term essentially broke the game open for the visiting Sale side, from which time Maffra was unable to come back.
Like most Battle of the Birds clashes, there was plenty of spice in the contest, which resulted in a high number of free kicks and 50 metre penalties.
Maffra kicked four goals from 50 metre penalties, making for 25 per cent of their final tally.
The Eagles however found more conventional avenues to score, headlined by Luke Dyer who finished with four majors.
Having recently moved to Maffra, the former East Gippsland champion showed early signs he will have no trouble jumping up into a higher level – even if he is approaching the age of 40.
As one Sale barista once told this writer when discussing local cricket players in a certain age bracket: “good players are always good”.
Dyer was named in the best for Maffra, as was Jett Killoran, James Read, Kade Renooy, Alex Carr and Daniel Bedggood, who kicked three goals.
As an aside, Maffra coach Anthony Robbins chose to coach from an elevated coaching box on the second floor of the Maffra Football-Netball Club clubrooms.
Sale was well-served by its own familiar/returning recruit, Jesse Collins, while Jack Leslie, reigning league best-and-fairest Shannen Lange, Jake Hutchins,
Hudson Holmes and Bohdi Walker (four goals) also contributed positively in the win.
The Magpies were able to manage a few players late in the game, gearing up for what is suddenly an intriguing match at home against Warragul, following the Guls’ shock win over last year’s grand finalists Wonthaggi.
