Leaders mini-break

A “mini-break” has opened between the top five and the rest after Saturday’s fifth round in Gippsland League.

Traralgon sits clearly on top with wins in all games, at the weekend easily accounting for winless Drouin.

Maffra that downed Wonthaggi Power at home and Leongatha, strong winners over Morwell, are one win shy of the leader.

A further game back follows Moe and Warragul, also winners in round five.

Warragul had a rare win at Sale, its first there since 2009, and Moe had an edge all day at Bairnsdale winning at the end by 20 points.

Maffra won comfortably, 22-10 to 13-7, in an entertaining contest against Wonthaggi at Maffra.

It was a free-flowing game, 15 goals kicked by the sides in the second quarter.

But the third quarter when the Eagles added five goals to none broke open the match.

Among the goals were Kade Renooy (six) and Mitch Bennett (five) for Maffra and Power’s Troy Harley who also kicked five.

Trips to Leongatha are difficult for all sides.

On Saturday Morwell was the latest to find it hard going.

The Tigers didn’t score a goal – just two behinds in the first half – and three of their four goals for the game came in the final quarter.

The Parrots won 16-13 to 4-8. will be at Traralgon where the Maroons will host Maffra.

Both clubs like to get “one up” on the other in the home and away rounds ahead of finals and won’t hold back anything on Saturday.

Morwell, at home to Bairnsdale, must win to stay in touch with the “five”.

The Redlegs can’t afford another loss if they are to mount any sort of a challenge for a finals’ place.

has been inconsistent Leongatha is at home again and should have few troubles against Drouin.

Matches at grounds of first named clubs on Saturday are:Wonthaggi v. Warragul. Leongatha v. Drouin. Morwell v. Bairnsdale. Traralgon v. Maffra. Moe v. Sale.