Warning sign
Traralgon sent an early warning to other Gippsland League clubs after a strong win over defending premier Leongatha on Saturday night.
The clash christened Traralgon’s new powerful ground lighting but it was tough going on a good but slippery surface and in strong wind.
But the senior match missed most of the day’s heavy rain, only a few showers during the game.
It was a tight first half, the Maroons leading 2-4 to 2-0 but an eight-goal third term settled the result in their favour. Final scores were 11-11 to 7-4. Even more worrying for other sides is that Traralgon won without three of its best players – coach Mark Collinson, Jackson Hall and new recruit Connor Ambler.
Former Neerim South player Kody Wilson, in his second game for the Maroons, starred in Saturday’s victory.
Sale stunned a disappointing Moe at Sale.
The match was virtually settled by half time with the Magpies leading 8-4 to 1-2.
Moe did lift after the long break but was still well back at the finish when the scoreboard read 1114 to 5-12.
Bairnsdale, at home and after a commendable losing performance against Traralgon in round one, really struggled to get on top of Morwell.
The Tigers led narrowly at each of the changes, 3-8 to 2-7 at threequarter time in what had been a low-scoring contest.
It wasn’t until the final quarter that Bairnsdale found its legs to kick six goals and get its first win on the board 8-8 to 5-10.
Morwell did come back and got within four points at the 24minute mark of the last term before the Redlegs sealed the outcome with two goals in the last two minutes.
Warragul steadied in the second half to grab an important win at Wonthaggi and could well have set up its season.
Wins are never easy at Wonthaggi and the rain and strong wind was another hurdle to jump.
But the Gulls cleared that in style with their dominance of the second half for a well-earned 10-8 to 7-7 result.
Drouin struggled all game at home against the always formidable Maffra.
Maffra’s better options in attack were evident in it scoring 11-16 to 2-9.