A costly start saw Bairnsdale go down to Morwell in round nine of Gippsland League “A” grade netball at the Morwell Recreation Reserve and subsequently drop out of the top five, but only on percentage.
The Redlegs now sit sixth on the same points as the two sides above them, Drouin and Leongatha.
Bairnsdale has been in great form and the third-ranked Tigers were the ideal challenge for a side on the up after a big scalp.
But the Redlegs started slowly, unable to score freely, trailing 18-9 at quarter time, the Tigers dominant in every position.
Bairnsdale opted for some positional changes which helped settle the team and made a significant impact on the scoreboard, with the second stanza played on the Redlegs’ terms.
Trailing by just three goals at half time, Bairnsdale could sense an upset, but again it was the Tigers who came to play in the crucial third term, putting Bairnsdale to the sword, creating costly turnovers as the lead stretched out to an unmanageable 10 goals at three quarter time.
The final term was a more sedate contest as Morwell ran out convincing 55-43 winners.
The better players for Bairnsdale were Sally Deller, Alison Dwyer and Paris Dunkley, with Anna Mooney shooting 30 goals.
In “B” grade the Redlegs, whose best effort for the season thus far was draw, took the contest right up to the better performed Tigers.
It was a fast-paced first half with both teams using the ball well, Morwell holding a narrow lead at the long break which would prove to be handy.
Morwell edged out to a five-goal lead at three quarter time but the Redlegs didn’t look ready to give up, the Tigers extending the lead early in the final term, only for the Redlegs to respond and finish strongly, going down by four goals, 51-47.
Sophie Bills, Indira Allen and Brielle Malady were all pivotal for Bairnsdale, with Remy Clarke (34 goals) and Olivia Rees (13) also impressing.
Bairnsdale took on the ladder leaders in “C” grade and showed plenty of fight despite the final scoreline (54-32).
The Redlegs matched the Tigers’ intensity for three quarters but a final quarter surge by Morwell saw them win comfortably.
Tahlia Chila was solid through the midcourt, while Annora Virgo (17) and Tiana Andrews (12) teamed well in the goal end.
Despite the loss the Redlegs still maintain fourth position on the table, but will need to bounce back quickly and get the points this week.
The unbeaten Bairnsdale under 17 team went on its winning way, outclassing Morwell 61-27.
The Redlegs took the opportunity to explore rotation opportunities in a game they were expected to win.
Phoebe Holland made a return to junior grade netball and was strong in the middle, with Eve Sabell (31) accurate up forward and Marissa Warfe impressive over four quarters.
Heidi Allen again impressed as did Mia Ballinger who shot 30 goals.
A great result for the Redlegs in the under 15 match outclassing the Tigers 48-12 and moving from seventh to fifth on the ladder in the process.
As the fog started to clear, Bairnsdale began strongly and went from strength-to-strength, peaking in the final stanza with a dominant 14-1 performance.
The demolition was set up off the back of accurate shooting and defending tightly, while being able to explore many different line up combinations, showing their flexibility across all areas of the court.
Lilly Fullgrabe (14), Roxie Jackson (13) and Georgia Irish were all in great form, while Chloe Allen (17) also impressed with accurate shooting.
The Redlegs moved from fifth to fourth after an easy 24-goal victory in the under 13s, 38-14.
Bairnsdale delivered a dominant performance, setting the tone from the first whistle, led by Piper Crawley who secured many turnovers, while Bella Brodribb was strong in attack, moving the ball with ease to Halle Davis (22) and Sharni Kelly (16).
Haylo Taylor was also a good four quarter performer.
Bairnsdale will head back down the highway this Saturday tackling Moe at Ted Summerton Reserve.
