Maffra did it.
The Eagles won their first game of the season in Round 13 of the Gippsland League, and what a win it was over Bairnsdale.
The Maffra women got the jump on the Redlegs early, outscoring them 15 to seven in the first term, building upon that to lead 27 to 17 at the major break.
The Redlegs fought back to get the game within seven points at three-quarter time, but those energetic Eagles could feel their first victory on the horizon, and went on to win 51-42.
Chloe Felsbourg, Tayli Dimarco and Matilda Pendergast were best for the Eagles, while the Redlegs’ best players were Paris Dunkley, Alison Dwyer and Brielle Malady.
Sale flicked the switch and narrowly defeated Wonthaggi Power.
The Magpies had a nice six-goal lead going into the second half, but only for a short time.
The Magpies let their guard down in the third term, and the Power electrified themselves to close the margin down to a single goal.
The fourth quarter was when the game tightened, with both teams neck-and-neck, before Sale closed to win by one point, 50-49.
Sale’s Teagan Harrison, Dee Dee Lambert and Tori Dessent were instrumental for the Magpies, while Courtney Brann, Bella Anderson, and Chelsea Bowman starred for the Power.
Traralgon got oh-so-close to beating a quality Leongatha side.
With a fairly even game across the first three quarters and scores at 21-22 Traralgon’s way, it was the Maroons’ fourth-quarter shooting effort that let them down – Traralgon only managed four goals to the Parrots’ nine.
The final scores were Leongatha 30 to Traralgon 26.
The Parrots’ Lauren Redpath, Laura Higgins and Hannah Flanders were huge in the win, while, Traralgon’s skipper Bronwyn Tebb led by example, so did Amy Harrison and playing-coach Kate French.
Moe slaughtered Warragul 72-35.
Moe’s Georgia Moody had a blinder, and as she should having just been named in the Victorian Fury extended netball squad. Emma Sculley and Olivia Barnett also received best-on honours as well.
Alexandra Cole, Sienna Green and Lily Sheehan battled hard for Warragul.
Despite the drive over to Drouin, Morwell made light work of the Hawks.
With all the fanfare around Gary Ablett Junior’s debut for Drouin, you hope some people were still watching this Morwell masterclass on the court.
Morwell’s playing-coach Tanya Budge led the charge, while Courtney Garth and Claire Marks were also noted as influential in the huge 50-36 win.
Ava Gaul, Lucy McKellar and Karina Proctor were among the Hawks’ best.
In Round 14 of the North Gippsland Football-Netball League, Churchill stole third place on the ladder as they defeated Heyfield in a nail-biting match.
The Cougars led for most of the game, but the Kangaroos were ever-so relenting as the match became a physical battle, with each team forced to work hard for every possession.
Heyfield was chasing tail in the last quarter, and had every opportunity to capitalise on a few Churchill turnovers, but those Cougars held on to a two-goal lead to win 34-32.
Rosedale had no trouble taking on Yallourn Yallourn North.
The Blues showed they are still a force to be reckoned with, smashing the Jets 66-39.
Woodside also made their match against Gormandale a one-sided affair, as the Wildcats dominated play all day, winning 79 to 24.
In the other match, Sale City followed suit, defeating Cowwarr 55-38.
Glengarry, TTU and Yarram had the bye.
All is well in East Gippsland, as Round 12 saw results of the status quo.
Wy Yung had a huge win over Lakes Entrance, with the final scoreboard reading 92-28.
Stratford continued that winning form in a 56-41 win over the Orbost Snowy Rovers.
Boisdale-Briagolong did well to beat Paynesville by 25 goals, and in the other game, Lindenow made light work of Lucknow, winning by 20 goals.
