TIGHT STRUGGLE FOR ‘FIVE’

The stage is being set for a fierce battle for positions in the Gippsland League final “five”.

After six rounds - one-third of the way through the home and away season - fifth to seventh places on the ladder are separated by only percentage, Morwell, Wonthaggi Power and Warragul all on 12 premiership points.

Warragul was the only loser among that trio on Saturday slipping from 5th to 7th after lowering its colours to Wonthaggi.

The three teams are only one game behind third and fourth placed Maffra and Moe.

Moe and Morwell both had tough battles on their home grounds to get the points on Saturday.

Sale finished the stronger at Moe, Jordan Dessent kicking half of the Magpies’ 12 goals for the afternoon, but came up short by nine points – 14-10 to 12-13.

Morwell’s better accuracy in front of goals kept it in touch for three-quarters and enabled it to go into the last quarter on level pegging – 8-1 to 7-7 – with Bairnsdale.

The Tigers found that little extra when the game was on the line to pull off an important win for its finals’ chances, 12-5 to 9-8.

Morwell kicked three goals in the final five minutes to snatch victory.

The clash at Traralgon between heavyweights Traralgon and Maffra had plenty of feeling.

It was all Traralgon for three quarters before a stirring Eagles’ fightback.

They kicked seven unanswered goals in the final term, after managing only three to that stage, to get within eight points at the siren.

At the end it was Traralgon 12-11 to 10-15.