By Erika Allen
MOE has surged to the top of the Gippsland League A Grade ladder after handing previously unbeaten Drouin its first loss of the season in Round 14.
The Lions' victory over the Hawks leaves both teams with identical 13-1 records, but Moe now sits on top courtesy of a superior percentage, setting up a fascinating finish to the home-and-away season.
Third-placed Bairnsdale could have a major say in who claims the minor premiership over the coming weeks. The Redlegs face Drouin this Saturday before hosting Moe the following weekend, giving them consecutive opportunities to challenge the competition's top two sides with just four rounds remaining.
Moe wasted little time asserting itself on Saturday, opening up a six-goal lead by quarter-time. Goal attack Georgia Moody was instrumental in the fast start, finishing with 23 goals to earn best-on-court honours.
Drouin fought its way back into the contest after the opening term, with Charlize Traumanis producing another outstanding performance in attack with 34 goals. Despite a more even second half, Moe's commanding 37-24 halftime advantage proved decisive as the reigning premiers secured a statement victory.
Sale produced one of the surprises of the round, defeating Traralgon by four goals at Traralgon Showgrounds.
Kate Van der Voort starred for the Magpies with 38 goals in a best-on-court display, while defenders Ashleigh Keefe and Anabelle Taylor were equally influential in restricting the Maroons' attacking opportunities.
For Traralgon, Emma White impressed with 34 goals, while Hannah Smith and Marley Wallace also featured among the home side's better performers.
Maffra strengthened its push towards the top five with a convincing 49-32 victory over Warragul.
The Eagles controlled the contest from start to finish, winning every quarter as Tilly Fox capitalised on the defensive pressure applied by Elly Weatherley and Jayde Parsons. Warragul's leading contributors included Amelia Henry, Olivia Barr and Ashlyn Gallasch.
The win keeps Maffra firmly in finals contention. Sitting sixth on the ladder, the Eagles have matched Wonthaggi's win tally and now face a crucial clash with the Power this weekend in a match that could prove pivotal to their finals hopes.
Elsewhere, Leongatha continued its strong form with a commanding 66-39 victory over Morwell, while Bairnsdale secured its 11th win of the season by defeating Wonthaggi 39-24.
Round 15 will see Sale host Leongatha, Warragul take on Traralgon, and Moe welcome Morwell as the race for finals positions continues to intensify.
A Grade: Bairnsdale 39 d Wonthaggi 24; Leongatha 66 d Morwell 39; Maffra 49 d Warragul 32; Moe 64 d Drouin 52; Sale 52 d Traralgon 48.
Ladder: Moe 52 points (167%), Drouin 52 (140%), Bairnsdale 44, Leongatha 36, Wonthaggi 26, Maffra 24, Traralgon 18, Sale 14 (84%), Morwell 14 (76%), Warragul 0.
B Grade: Wonthaggi 45 d Bairnsdale 39; Leongatha 56 d Morwell 32; Maffra 47 d Warragul 33; Moe 57 d Drouin 40; Traralgon 66 d Sale 39.
Ladder: Leongatha 56 points, Moe 44, Morwell 40, Drouin 36, Wonthaggi 32 (133%), Traralgon 32 (114%), Bairnsdale 22, Maffra 18, Sale 10, Warragul 0.
C Grade: Bairnsdale 50 d Wonthaggi 38; Morwell 42 d Leongatha 32; Maffra 70 d Warragul 20; Moe 42 d Drouin 36; Traralgon 60 d Sale 15.
Ladder: Morwell 48 points, Drouin 44 (137%), Moe 44 (129%), Traralgon 36 (138%), Leongatha 36 (114%), Bairnsdale 24 (116%), Wonthaggi 24 (112%), Maffra 16, Sale 4 (54%), Warragul 4 (42%).
17 & Under: Bairnsdale 52 d Wonthaggi 14; Leongatha 27 d Morwell 21; Warragul 48 d Maffra 31; Drouin 43 d Moe 33; Traralgon 39 d Sale 35.
Ladder: Traralgon 56 points, Bairnsdale 48, Moe 40, Sale 36, Drouin 34, Warragul 24, Maffra 16, Leongatha 14, Morwell 10, Wonthaggi 2.
15 & Under: Bairnsdale 60 d Wonthaggi 13; Leongatha 61 d Morwell 17; Maffra 39 d Warragul 14; Moe 31 d Drouin 21; Traralgon 28 d Sale 24.
Ladder: Traralgon 54 points, Leongatha 50, Bairnsdale 40 (190%), Sale 40 (146%), Moe 28 (133%), Maffra 28 (107%), Drouin 20, Morwell 12, Warragul 8, Wonthaggi 0.
13 & Under: Bairnsdale 35 d Wonthaggi 24; Morwell 34 d Leongatha 22; Maffra 37 d Warragul 8; Moe 20 d Drouin 14; Traralgon 38 d Sale 14.
Ladder: Traralgon 56 points, Bairnsdale 44, Maffra 40 (152%), Sale 40 (132%), Morwell 32, Moe 26, Wonthaggi 18, Leongatha 12 (67%), Warragul 12 (39%), Drouin 0.
