Bairnsdale consolidated its hold on fifth spot on the ladder of Gippsland League netball with a dominant all round performance against Traralgon in round eight.
With five wins and three losses, the Redlegs now sit on the same points as the fourth ranked Drouin and a game ahead of Leongatha in sixth.
Bairnsdale got off to a great start and played outstanding netball for three of the four quarters, the performance tarnished by a disappointing third term.
Although to their credit the Redlegs bounced back with a sensational 17-3 final term to win 50-28.
The victory was set up by the defenders who gained pivotal intercepts with the goalies converting at the other end.
Among the better players for Bairnsdale were Sally Deller, Myah Healey (30 goals) and Paris Dunkley.
Anna Mooney also impressed with 20 goals at an exceptional shooting rate.
In “B” grade in a fairly even contest it was the Maroons who used their opportunities better, but the Redlegs stuck to the task going down fighting 57-34.
Bairnsdale will have to wait a week longer to break through for their first win. Rose Langley, Indi Allen and Sophie Bills were named among the best.
The Redlegs maintained their hold on fourth spot on the table in “C” grade with a thrilling victory, 32-28.
Starting strong Bairnsdale was able to hold off a determined Traralgon team who dominated the second and third terms but solid defensive and accurate shooting partnered with some senior on-court leadership the difference in a tight and willing final term.
Renee Scicluna (14), Tiana Andrews and Phoebe Holland leading the way for Bairnsdale while Annora Virgo (15) continued a good season near the goals.
Bairnsdale now sits on top of the ladder in the under 17s after winning the battle of the unbeaten sides by just three goals in a high quality contest, as you would expect, 41-38.
Four well contested quarters with strong mid court presence and defensive leadership saw Bairnsdale get over the line, but only just as the Maroons threw everything at them.
The quarter victories were shared, but it was the Redlegs who held steady in a final term where the Maroons challenged strongly.
Rahni O’Connor, Heidi Allen and Olivia Pearson were outstanding for Bairnsdale with Eve Sabell shooting 26 goals.
The unbeaten Maroons were too strong in the under 15s match, winning 56-39.
The loss saw the Redlegs drop from fifth to seventh on ladder, but still within striking distance.
Bairnsdale had a steady start but Traralgon settled quicker gaining an eight goal lead at half time, the Redlegs youngsters reverted to playing catch up, which you can’t do against a classy side like Traralgon.
Georgia Irish, Lilly Preston and Chloe Allen (25) all performed well.
A great result for Bairnsdale in the under 13s knocking off the third rated Maroons to maintain their hold on fifth placed on the ladder.
The Redlegs came out firing, hungry to get back on the winners’ list, with
Tana Bazely’s defensive pressure and intercepts a standout.
Bairnsdale led by 13 at the final change, Traralgon made a late charge but the young Redlegs held on to win by six goals, 33-27.
Bazeley, Piper Crawley and Halle Davis (13) were all in superb form, backed up by Sharni Kelly who was again lively in goal area, contributing 14.
Bairnsdale will venture down to the Latrobe Valley this Saturday to take on the Tigers at the Morwell Recreation Reserve.
