Back in the day...
50 years ago…
The EDFL grand final was marred but a spiteful brawl that broke out among spectators, players and umpires during the Poowong vs Hallora-Strezlecki clash at Drouin.
More than 200 people were involved in the incident just as the three quarter time siren blew.
It led to several players being taken to hospital with serious facial injuries, while police had to ask many to leave the ground as well.
It overshadowed the Magpies brilliant 34 point win over Hallora-Strezlecki in what was a memorable day at Drouin.
Poowong had the game virtually finished by three quarter time when the fight broke out, and were first to settle again to run away winners.
A field of 39 runners which included some top class runners from Melbourne participated in the Geoff Watt Memorial Half Marathon.
It was run and won in a time of 69 minutes and 18 seconds.
Despite some inaccurate kicking, Leongatha won their first Latrobe Valley premiership at Yallourn.
The side kicked 11.24, almost costing themselves the win as Moe kept it accurate in front of goal, finishing with 13.9.
Hallora-Strezlecki basketballers came close to winning the entire pool in 1970, when they took out three of the four flags available in the Ellinbank and District Basketball Association.
They easily defeated Poowong in the A Grade, while also claiming victory in B and D Grade as well.
30 years ago…
The Aztecs defeated the Warriors in the C Grade winter hockey competition grand final, while the Drouids went on to defeat the Warriors as well in the A Grade, with the Gulls taking out the women’s premiership.
The Pakenham Football Club made West Gippsland Football history claiming its fourth consecutive premiership when they defeated Drouin by 17 points. A six goal to one final quarter saw Pakenham run over the top of the Hawks, after trailing all afternoon.
Warragul United claimed victory in both the seniors and reserves in comfortable fashion to claim the league honours. After finishing five points clear on top of the ladder, it was a fitting end to a stellar season for Warragul United in the seniors, a 4-0 victory over the Olympians driving them to the title.
The Gladiators claimed six junior premiership titles in the Warragul and District Junior Basketball league. With teams in 8 out of the 10 categories, they were almost unstoppable throughout the season.
Garfield took out the annual Garfield Golf Club versus Cerberus Golf Club challenge, 354 to 340 stableford points. It was a home ground advantage for the Garfield side, who was led by Brett McEllister’s 39 points and Geoff Pumphrey’s 40 points in B Grade.
10 years ago…
It was a day of highs and lows for Drouin during their grand finals at Morwell. The senior football side fell by 18 points in a high scoring clash against Maffra, falling at the final hurdle in their quest for a senior flag. A four goal to three final term broke the game open for Maffra, who led at every change.
Drouin’s Bob McCallum, Pat McGrath and Andy Soumilas were named in the Gippsland team of the year, alongside Warragul’s Ryan Davey. Ben Soumilas was named the coach of the side, showing just how strong they were in 2010.
Christie Proctor claimed best on court in Drouin’s A Grade netball grand final victory over Leongatha, a 19 goal win comfortable for the best side all season.
Nar Nar Goon broke a 30-year premiership drought when they defeated Cora Lynn in front of the Cobra crowd. Goon forward Brett Dore was at his brilliant best, slotting six goals to lift his side to the eight-point win. It was a big day for Nar Nar Goon, with all five football sides playing in the grand final, an incredible achievement which saw them claim three flags.
Poowong claimed another A Grade flag, defeating Ellinbank by three goals in a thrilling EDNA grand final, where they also claimed the B Grade premiership as well, capping off a dominant day for the Poowong girls in Cora Lynn.
The women’s Baw Baw State League 3 side defeated arch rivals Westvic in the grand final at Parkville with Tara Cann saving a penalty shot to win the match and send the side to the State League 2 level in 2011.