Bairnsdale has opened its winning account in round two of Gippsland netball against Drouin at the Morwell Recreation Reserve.
Bairnsdale started well in the heat, quickly racing to a handy 15-goal advantage by half time, with the defensive combo of Alison Dwyer and Sally Deller worked overtime to deny Drouin opportunities.
The Hawks turned the tables in the third quarter, outscoring the Redlegs and at the final change there was only five goals separating the two teams.
Both teams slogged it out in a hotly contested final quarter, Dwyer a standout, guiding her side home by six goals, 49-43.
Other good players for Bairnsdale included, Paris Dunkley and Myah Healey (33 goals).
In a very evenly contested “B” game in extreme heat, the Redlegs took the match right up to the Hawks, leading by a goal at quarter time.
Drouin played its best netball in the second stanza, opening up a five goal break by half time, which was enough to see it edge home by eight goals.
Maddie (25) and Ruby Fullgrabe, joined in the best by Sophie Bills.
Bairnsdale were again out of the blocks quickly in “C” grade, leading by four goals at the first change, off the back of accurate shooting and tight defence.
Drouin found its mojo, with the Redlegs paying for some costly errors, winning the final three quarters and the match by nine goals
Dani Johnson, Chelsea Wellman and Heidi Allen leading the way for Bairnsdale, while Annora Virgo slotted 26 goals.
Bairnsdale sit on the top of ladder in the under 17s after two impressive victories, despite the Redlegs taking a couple of minutes to settle, once in the zone they put their feet down and dominated the game winning by 38 goals.
Eve Sabell (25) and Mia Ballinger(19) very accurate up forward, while Marissa Warfe and Ava Langley (22) were hard working and the team was much strong for their opposition.
The Redlegs struggled for early momentum in the under 15s having to dig deep to fight back and get into the game, a second quarter lapse seeing the lead out to eight at half time.
There were some positive results achieved in the second half, trying new rotations and development.
Emme Hadden was a standout, joined in the best by Lily Preston and Roxie Jackson.An even first quarter in the under 13s Drouin pulled away late, opening up a three goal advantage by quarter time.
Bairnsdale’s allowing the Hawks to hold an eight goal lead heading into the last quarter.
Bairnsdale defenders worked hard but the young Redlegs were unable to reduce the margin, going down by seven goals, 23-16. Zoe Nuttall and Violet Cloak leading the way for Bairnsdale.
After a week off for Easter, Bairnsdale’s next match will be a home fixture against Leongatha on April 26.
