Gulls keep finals hopes alive
Warragul kept its A grade finals aspirations alive with a strong win over Leongatha – and now sit only 2.31 per cent short of fifth spot on the ladder.
A grade: Warragul 41 defeated Leongatha 26.
The Gulls were looking to improve their performance from earlier in the year against the Parrots in which they fell short.
The girls have started to gel since then and, on Saturday, it started to show.
A rough first half saw the Gulls dominate play but the young Parrots able to keep up.
In the second half, the Gulls proved too strong. With some brilliant feeding from Hayley Roberts to Anna Green in the goal circle, the Gulls extended their lead.
The pressure from the defensive end was again unyielding, with Renee Cook and Mackenzie Minichello impressing again this week. Awards: Anna Green and Renee Cook. B grade: Warragul 50 defeated Leongatha 40.
The Gulls fought it out with the Parrots this week. They came in keen for a win after coming off some average scores.
Implementing techniques and plays that have been practiced the last couple of weeks at training, the Gulls came out firing and ready to take the win.
The goalers did a great job of working around the ring and in partnership to finish the first quarter with an eightgoal lead.
Throughout the next two quarters the Gulls managed to set a fast paced game that worked to their advantage. They went into the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead.
Great work from the midcourt sealed the win for Warragul.
Awards: Cindy Dawson and Georgia Lyons with a special mention to the goalers.
C grade: Warragul Leongatha 30.
The conditions, starkly contrasting to those playing in for months, proved somewhat testing for the players.
The game was an even tussle throughout the first half, with Warragul eventually gaining the lead in the second half.
Kim Weller had another outstanding game in goal shooter and continues to cause headaches for opposing goal keepers each week.
Claire Sandman was effective in centre, providing great drive into attack as well as combining nicely with her sister Emily Sandman in wing defence to create superb defensive pressure across the back line.
Warragul was pleased to come away with a hard-fought win.
Under 17s: Warragul 17 lost to Leongatha 46.
In a tough game, the Warragul girls struggled to keep up with the speed of Leongatha.
Maddison Quaife did a great job coming to the ball.
In the last quarter, Jacinta Bagot and Grace Radford worked well together to shut down the Leongatha shooters.
Award: Maddison Quaife. 34 defeated
Under 15s: Warragul 24 lost to Leongatha 43.
The Gulls played a great game against one of the toughest opponents in Leongatha.
Zoe Phillips played a great game again, well assisted by Jacinta Bagot and Liv Sheehan.
Jaz Porch played her best game of the season and Bella Hefford really stepped up.
Leongatha had to work hard to get the win as the Gulls all played a tough game.
Laura Miller and Bridie Mulqueen were consistent as they always are, while Emily Hobbs once again proved her worth in goals.
Awards: Jaz Porch, Zoe Phillips and Liv Sheehan.
Under 13s: Warragul 8 Leongatha 55.
It was another hard day at the office for the youngest Gulls.
Taking on the very strong and wellplaced Parrots was always going to be a challenge for the girls. However, they held their heads up and worked hard all morning to show good signs of improvement throughout the game. Coaches Green and Cole flipped the attack and defence as well as swapping around the midcourt in the last, and the results were positive.
The last quarter was the strongest from a statistical point with less goals against and more goals for, not to mention some very pleased players who played in new positions for the first time.
Awards: Mia Radford, Tess Talbot and Pippa Cook with a special mention to coach Weller for solid work from the sidelines. lost to