By Blake Metcalf Holt
CLOSER contests played out in Round 7 of the Gippsland League.
Traralgon added back-to-back wins for the first time this season, defeating Maffra 43 to 37 at Traralgon Showgrounds.
The Maroons combatted a back-and-forth start to the match against the Eagles, leading by six goals at the first break.
An equally close contest played out in the second quarter, as Traralgon led by virtually the same score.
While Maffra attempted to vigorously tick into its deficit, the Maroons were able to hold strong with determination and experience from its older head.
Traralgon’s Lara Noblett top-scored across both teams, while veteran goalkeeper Bronwyn Tebb, Marley Wallace and Indiana de Dios performed greatly in the home side’s victory.
Jayde Parsons, Sienna Wynd and Tilly Fox played well for Maffra.
The Maroons have now notched points in each of its last three matches, with two wins and a draw against Sale.
Traralgon moved into seventh place on the ladder, just a game back of fifth.
Moe was presented some nerves in the matchup against Bairnsdale, ultimately winning 40-31.
Played at Northern Reserve, Newborough, the Lions kept just above their travelling opponent, before the Redlegs pounced to lead by three goals at halftime.
Not about to suffer their second loss for the season just yet, Moe buckled down and held Bairnsdale to four goals during the third quarter, while adding 13 themselves.
Pushing ahead by six goals in time for the final turn, the Lions continued to combat any run of the Redlegs to cap off the win.
Emma McMillan tallied 24 goals for Moe, while Jordan Pyle, Charlize Bird and promoted Danielle Davies performed strongly.
The Lions will have to continue to utilise all of its netball core, as three-time premiership defender Olivia Barnett will miss the season after suffering an achilles injury in VNL for Hawks.
Alison Dwyer, Sally Deller, Paris Dunkley and Anna Mooney with 23 goals were standouts for Bairnsdale.
The Redlegs sit third on the ladder despite the result at the weekend.
Drouin handily beat Morwell on Sunday afternoon, 82-25 at Drouin Recreation Reserve.
The Hawks, who added their seventh win from seven tries this season, may not fall once the way they are trending so far.
Star shooter Mwai Kumwenda Mbwana scored 60 goals, moving to a season total of 299 less than halfway through her first season in the Gippsland League.
Other matches saw Wonthaggi edge past Sale 43-42 at Sale Oval, and Leongatha defeated Warragul, 77-43 at Western Park.
A Grade:
Moe 40 def Bairnsdale 31, Wonthaggi 43 def Sale 42, Traralgon 43 def Maffra 37, Leongatha 77 def Warragul 43, Drouin 82 def Morwell 35
B Grade:
Moe 72 def Bairnsdale 44, Wonthaggi 60 def Sale 29, Traralgon 49 def Maffra 39, Leongatha 89 def Warragul 23, Drouin 52 def Morwell 40
C Grade:
Moe 42 def Bairnsdale 38, Wonthaggi 47 def Sale 34, Traralgon 63 def Maffra 34, Leongatha 67 def Warragul 16, Drouin 38 def Morwell 32
17 and Under:
Bairnsdale 48 def Moe 39, Sale 62 def Wonthaggi 18, Traralgon 56 def Maffra 30, Warragul 34 tied Leongatha 34, Drouin 51 def Morwell 21
15 and Under:
Bairnsdale 41 def Moe 33, Sale 50 def Wonthaggi 12, Traralgon 43 def Maffra 26, Leongatha 60 def Warragul 8, Drouin 30 def Morwell 28
13 and Under:
Bairnsdale 26 def Moe 24, Sale 25 def Wonthaggi 20, Traralgon 40 def Maffra 12, Leongatha 30 def Warragul 23, Morwell 30 def Drouin 9
