Next week’s games

Maffra versus Sale, 1st v, 3rd, at Maffra on Sunday heads the billing of next weekend’s Gippsland league round.

Maffra was a clear winner when they clashed in round one scoring by 58 points.

While nothing much has changed at Maffra since then Sale has raised its game quite a few cogs stringing together seven wins on end before an 11-point loss to reigning premier Leongatha last Saturday.

Traralgon could open up a twogame break over potential challengers for a top five position if it overcomes Bairnsdale when they face off at Traralgon on Saturday.

After consecutive losses to the top three – Maffra, Sale and Leongatha – Bairnsdale rebounded with a strong win over Warragul at the weekend to keep in touch with the “five” but risk dropping a further game behind if beaten.

Warragul will host Morwell, that sits below it on the ladder, and any faint hopes of a late season surge by the Gulls towards the finals will go by the board if they don’t win.

Warragul won their first round encounter convincingly by 10 goals but Morwell strung together two wins before a creditable performance against Traralgon last weekend.

The Gulls can expect a much tougher contest this time.

Drouin has been close without getting the rewards in its past four games and will be working for a change of fortune when it hosts Moe.

Leongatha should continue its winning ways and take another step towards cementing a top three position when it tackles Wonthaggi at Wonthaggi on Sunday.

Matches at grounds of first named clubs: Saturday – Morwell v. Warragul. Traralgon v. Bairnsdale. Drouin v. Moe. Maffra v. Sale.

Sunday – Wonthaggi v. Leongatha.