Gulls win all senior grades
Warragul won all three senior grades including an exciting one-goal win for B grade. A grade: Warragul 44 defeated Maffra 40. Warragul went in full of confidence to a highstandard first quarter. Warragul led 15 to 13.
Anna Green and Jaime Rollinson combined beautifully in goals, linking well with Lexi Riley, Hayley Roberts and Alex Cole in the midcourt. In defence, Lucy Monahan and Cara McIntosh created turnovers that gave the Gulls a 27 to 21 half-time lead.
In an arm wrestle, Ebony Wall came into the midcourt with fresh legs. Goals were hard to come by with Warragul up 36 to 31.
The rain started but the high standard remained. Lexi Riley returned to wing attack and provided steady movement to the goal circle. The defenders on both sides made life difficult for the goalers, however, Warragul held strong for the four-goal win.
Awards: Anna Green, Lucy Monahan and Jaime Rollinson. B grade: Warragul 49 defeated Maffra 48. Warragul was hungry for a win. It was a competitive game with only a few goals in it.
Warragul displayed excellent defensive pressure and it all came down to the final quarter. Starting six goals up, Maffra kept fighting and levelled quickly.
It was goal for goal until Warragul wing attack Cindy Dawson got a crucial intercept to put the Gulls one goal ahead. It was a 35-goal quarter across the two teams, with the Gulls gaining their first win of the season.
Awards: Jess Murty, Cindy Dawson, Brooke Radford and Chiara Mulqueen. C grade: Warragul 32 def Maffra 26. Under 17s: Warragul 15 lost to Maffra 41. In gusty winds, Warragul had their work cut out against the top team. They started well, belied their position on the ladder.
Tahlia Orlicki was outstanding in defence, creating a number of turnovers, while Lizzie Bayley and Ivy Cant worked well in goals. At quarter time, Maffra led by four goals.
Maffra showed why they were undefeated with excellent skill and team play. Warragul’s defenders competed well but Maffra’s defence limited Warragul to three goals. At half-time, they trailed by 10.
Fatigue and the wind saw a number of
Drouin’s juniors stepped up with two wins over Moe on Saturday. A grade: Drouin 48 defeated Moe 42. The Hawks had their best start of the season, producing steady and consistent netball in the first half. They gained a comfortable lead and a chance to try new combinations.
The second half saw a different A grade line up - five of the seven players being 18 or under. This gave well-deserved experience against a quick Moe team.
Kym Diston was best, turning over the ball countless times in goal keeper. Stacie Gardiner had the classic captain’s game, leading the younger girls when Moe came back in the second half. Awards: Kym Diston and Stacie Gardiner. B grade: Drouin 34 lost to Moe 52. With movement in the top few teams, B grade put forth some different combinations. Unfortunately, several silly errors in the attack end during the first quarter meant the girls were playing catch up all game.
Kelly Hedley went into goal attack, Jemyma Leishout to wing attack, Kylie Proctor to goal shooter and Ruby Pratt into centre in the second quarter. This settled the attack end. turnovers by Warragul. Maffra were also making a few mistakes but Warragul struggled to capitalise.
Awards: Tahlia Orlicki, Lizzie Bayley and Sarah Kaine. Under 15s: Warragul 23 lost to Maffra 42. Maffra had great pressure on Warragul throughout the match. It wasn’t their best game, but the Gulls never let their heads go down.
Warragul’s pressure towards Maffra was great and there were positives to be taken from the game.
Awards: Claire Lear, Jacinta Bagot and Laura Miller. Under 13s: Warragul 15 lost to Maffra 48. Warragul were focused on starting well and saw a more even first quarter as a result against the in-form Maffra.
Unfortunately, Maffra got the jump during the second and made it tough for Warragul to come back.
Tess Talbot had a strong game, showing good skills in both wing attack and wing defence. Bella Hefford was strong and Emily Hobbs proves to be an asset at both ends.