By Erika Allen
Maffra claimed a thrilling two-goal victory over Morwell as Gippsland League netball returned for Round 13.
After trailing by two goals at the first change, the Eagles took control of the contest with a dominant second quarter, scoring 17 goals to Morwell’s 12.
The lead changed hands again during the third and fourth quarters, but Maffra’s strong second-term performance ultimately gave the Eagles enough of an advantage to hold on for a 50-48 victory.
Defender Jayde Parsons played an important role for Maffra and was up to the challenge against Morwell’s three rotating shooters.
Sienna Wynd was another standout for the Eagles, scoring 14 goals alongside Tilly Fox’s game-high 36.
Morwell’s defensive pressure was central to its strong performance, with Courtney Garth earning recognition among her peers. Wing attack Chloe Radford and centre Edie van der Velden were also among the Tigers’ best.
Elsewhere, ladder leader Drouin proved too strong for Sale, with the Hawks recording a 59-37 victory at Sale Oval.
Without star shooter and Commonwealth Games representative Mwai Kumwenda Mbwana, Charlize Traumanis stepped up to lead Drouin’s attack with 36 goals.
Sale remained within striking distance throughout the opening half, trailing by just one goal at quarter-time and four goals at the main break.
However, the Hawks created separation during the third quarter before pulling away to secure their 13th victory of the season and maintain their undefeated record.
Mackenzie Lett led Sale’s scoring with 21 goals, while Eve Sabell contributed 15. Goalkeeper Ashleigh Keefe and centre Mahli Stothers were also notable performers for the Magpies.
Defender Ava Gaul led the way for Drouin, with centre Regan Joyce and goal attack Stacie Gardiner, who scored 20 goals, also among the Hawks’ best.
Second-placed Moe continued its strong season with a convincing 74-38 victory over Wonthaggi.
Bairnsdale strengthened its hold on third position with a 67-24 win against Warragul, while Leongatha prevailed in a competitive contest against Traralgon, winning 49-43.
Round 14 will provide Maffra with another opportunity to build momentum when it hosts Warragul, while Sale travels to face Traralgon.
The headline fixture will see the competition’s top two teams meet when Moe hosts undefeated ladder leader Drouin.
Leongatha will welcome Morwell, while Wonthaggi makes the long trip east to take on Bairnsdale.
Round 13 Results and Ladders
A Grade
Results:
Maffra 50 defeated Morwell 48
Drouin 59 defeated Sale 37
Leongatha 49 defeated Traralgon 43
Bairnsdale 67 defeated Warragul 24
Moe 74 defeated Wonthaggi 38
Ladder:
Drouin 52; Moe 48; Bairnsdale 40; Leongatha 32; Wonthaggi 26; Maffra 20; Traralgon 18; Morwell 14; Sale 10; Warragul 0.
B Grade
Results:
Morwell 41 defeated Maffra 40
Drouin 66 defeated Sale 25
Leongatha 66 defeated Traralgon 60
Bairnsdale 61 defeated Warragul 30
Moe 50 defeated Wonthaggi 41
Ladder:
Leongatha 52; Moe 40; Drouin 36; Morwell 30; Wonthaggi 28 (126%); Traralgon 28 (110%); Bairnsdale 22; Maffra 14; Sale 10; Warragul 0.
C Grade
Results:
Morwell 56 defeated Maffra 39
Drouin 55 defeated Sale 28
Traralgon 46 defeated Leongatha 32
Bairnsdale 54 defeated Warragul 21
Moe 47 defeated Wonthaggi 44
Ladder:
Drouin 44 (143%); Morwell 44 (137%); Moe 40; Leongatha 36; Traralgon 32; Wonthaggi 24; Bairnsdale 20; Maffra 12; Sale 4 (56%); Warragul 4 (43%).
17 & Under
Results:
Morwell 40 defeated Maffra 36
Sale 38 defeated Drouin 35
Traralgon 59 defeated Leongatha 18
Bairnsdale 53 defeated Warragul 27
Moe 55 defeated Wonthaggi 23
Ladder:
Traralgon 52; Bairnsdale 44; Moe 40; Sale 36; Drouin 30; Warragul 20; Maffra 16; Leongatha 10 (67%); Morwell 10 (52%); Wonthaggi 0.
15 & Under
Results:
Maffra 33 defeated Morwell 27
Sale 31 defeated Drouin 21
Traralgon 38 drew with Leongatha 38
Bairnsdale 70 defeated Warragul 8
Moe 74 defeated Wonthaggi 16
Ladder:
Traralgon 50; Leongatha 46; Sale 40; Bairnsdale 36; Moe 24 (132%); Maffra 24 (101%); Drouin 20; Morwell 12; Warragul 8; Wonthaggi 0.
13 & Under
Results:
Morwell 29 defeated Maffra 27
Sale 35 defeated Drouin 7
Traralgon 58 defeated Leongatha 10
Bairnsdale 56 defeated Warragul 6
Wonthaggi 23 drew with Moe 23
Ladder:
Traralgon 52; Bairnsdale 40 (169%); Sale 40 (144%); Maffra 36; Morwell 28; Moe 22; Wonthaggi 18; Leongatha 12 (67%); Warragul 12 (40%); Drouin 0.
