Gulls break into top five
A six-goal win saw Warragul replace Maffra in the A grade top five with only two rounds to play.
A grade: Warragul 45 defeated Maffra 39.
The Gulls girls started slowly in the wet conditions and were two goals down at the first break.
In the second quarter, Hayley Roberts superb feeding to the goalers and Anna Green’s accuracy really helped the Gulls get back into the game. Once the girls found their groove, they controlled the game. Bec O’Halloran provided some instant impact after half-time, taking some clean intercepts, as the Gulls took a seven-goal lead into the last quarter.
Maffra come out strong in the last, rattling the Gulls somewhat. However, the Gulls held strong to get the win.
This win puts Warragul into the top five and in a strong position to secure a finals spot.
Awards: Hayley Roberts, O’Halloran and Anna Green. B grade: Warragul 35 lost to Maffra 48. The Gulls didn’t achieve their desired outcome from this game against Maffra at Western Park.
The girls started strong in the first quarter and used their defensive pressure to create some great turnover goals. They ended the first quarter trailing Maffra by five goals.
The second quarter started strongly as the Gulls got some great goals and worked the ball down the court very well. Unfortunately, Maffra’s attacking side Bec was too strong for Warragul and the girls started the second half chasing Maffra’s 10-goal lead.
Maffra’s defensive pressure and sleek attacking side became too much for the Gulls despite every effort to fight for the lead.
Both Warragul’s attacking and defensive sides played as best they could on the day, working well as a team and changing the plays to win the fourth quarter. However, it wasn’t enough to win the match.
Awards: Georgia Lyons and Eboni Wall. C grade: Warragul 28 lost to Maffra 46. The Gulls knew they were in for a tough day up against ladder leaders Maffra.
The girls started with positivity and enthusiasm. An intercept by Matisse Olsson against a very tall goal shooter on Maffra’s first centre pass gave the Gulls a sense of confidence and a belief that nothing was impossible.
It set the tone for the defenders. Matisse, along with Sarah Hams in goal keeper, and Emily Sandman, Tanya Barr and Claire Sandman outside the ring, provided excellent defensive pressure throughout the match. They provided the attackers with numerous opportunities through well-read intercepts.
Unfortunately, too many unforced errors proved costly for the Gulls.
However, there were moments of brilliance to please the coach.
Awards: Sarah Hams and Matisse Olsson.
Under 17: Warragul 19 Maffra 62.
Warragul had a convincing loss to a top side in Maffra.
The girls struggled to find consistent passages of plays during a wet game.
Grace Radford was again a consistent player down the defence end. Sarah Kaine also provided great drive and pos- lost to itive encouragement on the court.
Awards: Grace Radford and Sarah Kaine.
Under 15: Warragul 24 lost to Maffra 37.
It was wet and miserable all game. The Gulls had a great first half but struggled a bit in the second half.
Zoe Phillips and Jacinta Bagot got many intercepts and grabbed every rebound. Bridie Mulqueen tried a few footy moves that didn’t really come off and Ella Weir promises to practise her burpees at home.
Laura Miller and Jaz Porch played consistently, while Bella Hefford had another great game.
Emily Hobbs stepped up to play well in the centre and in goals, while Liv Sheehan played another consistent and steady game.
Awards: Jacinta Bagot, Bella Hefford and Bridie Mulqueen. Under 13: Warragul 21 lost to Maffra 48. What a bunch a little legends the very wet Eagles and Gulls were on Saturday morning.
The undermanned Gulls called in two under 11s players at the last minute as all girls from both teams braved the pouring rain - for the entire game - to play a good spirited match.
The Gulls youngest turned it on with awesome play out of the centre as the new shooting team displayed a high level of resilience and determination. This resulted in the team’s highest goal score for the season.
Warragul’s defenders were solid again but, in the end, Maffra were too good and walked away with a good win.
Awards: Tia Jenkins, Rylee McCarthy and Charlotte Bundle with super special mentions to the under 11s for filling in at the last minute in awful conditions. Well done girls.