Zaida Glibanovic
AN exciting Round 1 of Gippsland League netball played out at the weekend.
All was even as Sale and Maffra drew 33-all in the first game of the season.
The Battle of the Birds is always a tough game for these two rivals, but I doubt many spectators could have predicted a draw last Saturday.
The Eagles came in hot, scoring 10-8 in the first quarter.
Filling in for Maffra on the day was Heyfield superstar defender, Jayde Parsons.
Parsons was a force to be reckoned with, causing significant problems for the Magpies’ offensive line.
The Magpies strategically brought in fill-ins of their own in former North Gippsland player Emma Grunwald from TTU, whose plays were instrumental in the match. She fed into Kate Van der Voort, who was responsible for a staggering 23 of Sale’s 33 goals.
Sale managed to win the second quarter, scoring 19-17 by halftime.
Maffra’s Matilda Pendergast, alongside Parsons, brought the score even in the last quarter.
It was Sale’s game to lose at three-quarter time, and the Eagles led their charge, shooting 9-6 in the last quarter. Perhaps they left their comeback a little too late.
Eagles coach Staci Scott said she was impressed with her team considering they had two juniors in Maddy Dolton and Krystal Craft playing out of their skin.
“I was impressed with the persistence and positivity of our players and the way the team came back together to peg back the lead in the last quarter,” she said.
“Although, a win was the desired result, we are happy with our effort.”
TRARALGON’S young guns registered another win for the season, after defeating Leongatha on their home deck 42-32.
The Parrots were perhaps unprepared for the likes of Maroons returning midcourter Stacey Jacobsen, who worked alongside Milly Murphy and Montanna Styles to dominate the centre third.
Sophie Lecchino reaped the benefits of the midcourter’s hard work, sinking 20 shots from the Maroons’ total.
The Parrots were chasing tail all game, being outscored 25-14 in the first half.
Despite a halftime resurgence led by none other than Sharni Lambden, Kate Browne, and Nicola Marriot, Leongatha couldn’t come back enough.
WHAT a way to unfurl a premiership flag.
Reigning premier Moe sure did roar over Morwell in the Grand Final re-match.
The Lions comfortably defeated the new-look Tigers 53-38.
The Tigers started well, shooting 13-11 in the first quarter, with new recruit Tiffany Boatman hitting the scoreboard early.
However, it didn’t take long for Moe’s superstar line-up to get the better of the Tigers.
Lions defender Olivia Barnett, alongside midcourters Hollie Bugeja and Macy Gardiner, were best on court for transitioning the ball after turnover and then feeding it into the hands of shooter Ramayer Gourley, who shot the majority (37 goals) of Moe’s total.
Morwell’s Anna Solomon and Courtney Garth were admirable in defeat, recognised alongside Boatman as best-on.
Both Solomon and Garth had a tough task trying to quell the Lion’s attack; they continued to fight for every possession despite the score expanding by the end of the game.
EMMA Ryde is a threat.
Warragul showcased their star recruit in a 59-36 win against Wonthaggi at the weekend.
Ryde was monumental for the Guls, sinking 49 goals out of the total.
Warragul’s Ella Rees had a day out as goalkeeper, facilitating many scoring opportunities from intercepts.
The Guls might have found their missing piece of the puzzle, with Sienna Green’s midcourt dominance paying dividends with a shooter like Ryde, who can finish off the team’s hard work.
Wonthaggi’s new recruit Alana McRae, alongside Ellie Bates and Chelsea Bowman, were notable even in the defeat.
BAIRSNDALE aren’t quite there yet.
Drouin got the better of the Redlegs despite the long car ride down the freeway.
The Hawks put on a dominant display to win 50-39.
VNL Gippsland Stars’ teammates Paris Dunkley and Alison Dwyer went head-to-head against Drouin’s Ava Gual and Lucy McKellar, providing entertainment for onlookers.
Though the Redlegs have improved drastically since last season, the Hawks’ structure was just too strong.
Bairnsdale’s Anna Mooney, Tayla Falconer and Ruby Dunkley were good in the loss, while Drouin’s Ella Henderson, April Bethune and McKellar starred for the victors.
