By Erika Allen
Gippsland League teams met for the second time this season in Round 10, with Maffra again getting the better of Sale in the Battle of the Birds.
The Eagles made it 2-0 over their rivals in 2026, following up their six-goal Round 1 win with an 11-goal victory on Sunday.
Maffra’s defensive unit proved difficult to break down, with Ellie Weatherley, Jayde Parsons and Zali Wheatley all named among the Eagles’ best.
Leading at every change, Maffra built its strongest advantage by half-time through the efforts of Tilly Fox, who finished with 27 goals, and Rachel Weatherley, who added 20.
Sale trailed by 10 goals heading into the third quarter but lifted strongly across the court to keep the contest alive. Centre Mahli Stothers was again a standout for the Magpies, while defender Heidi Gaudion and goal attack Ella Gerrand also had an impact as Sale cut the margin to eight goals at the final change.
Maffra steadied in the last quarter, winning the term 11-8 to seal a 47-36 victory.
In Sunday’s other match, Drouin continued its unbeaten run with a dominant 90-41 win over Warragul. The Hawks remain the only undefeated side in A Grade and moved to 10 wins for the season.
Stacie Gardiner was named best for Drouin, playing an important role through the midcourt and feeding Mwai Kumwenda Mbwana, who produced a huge 72-goal performance.
Moe remains within striking distance of the ladder leaders after recording its ninth win of the season, defeating Leongatha 73-44 at Traralgon Showgrounds. Ashlea Mawer was again a key target for the Lions, finishing with 42 goals, while Jayde Hall was Leongatha’s best in goal defence.
Wonthaggi strengthened its position inside the top five with a 57-34 home-court win over Morwell. Ellie Bates was strong through the midcourt for the Power, while Lucy Faziolo was Morwell’s best.
Bairnsdale also kept pace with the top three, defeating Traralgon 42-33 on Saturday. The Redlegs were too strong early and held off a second-half Maroons resurgence to record their eighth win of the season.
Round 10 A Grade Results
Bairnsdale 42 defeated Traralgon 33
Moe 73 defeated Leongatha 44
Wonthaggi 57 defeated Morwell 34
Maffra 47 defeated Sale 36
Drouin 90 defeated Warragul 41
A Grade Ladder
Drouin 40
Moe 36
Bairnsdale 32
Wonthaggi 22
Leongatha 20
Traralgon 18
Maffra 16
Morwell 10
Sale 6
Warragul 0
Photo: David Braithwaite
