Bairnsdale played a formidable opponent in round 11 of Gippsland netball, with Drouin winning four of the six matches at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
The “A” grade contest was outstanding, played in great spirit between the fourth-placed Hawks and sixth-ranked Redlegs, with Bairnsdale set to jump Drouin if they could achieved victory.
Nothing separated the sides through the first three quarters, trading goals, never more than three goals the lead, as both sides capitalised on each others errors.
With plenty to play for the in the final term, it was the Hawks who had all the answers and held their nerve under immense pressure, turning a two-goal advantage at the final break into an eight-goal victory.
Anna Mooney (27 goals), Paris Dunkley and Jordan O’Connor were among the better four-quarter performers for the Redlegs, with Sally Deller also contributing 16 goals.
It was another solid effort from Bairnsdale in “B” grade, but they still weren’t able to record their first win of the season.
The girls took the match right up to the Hawks who are on the edge of the top five, trailing by just one goal at half time.
But as has been the case several times, when the pressure is at its most intense towards the end of close games, the Redlegs have just been found wanting, fading late to go down by six goals, 47-41, with Olivia Rees (10), Sophie Bills and Rose Langley all more than serviceable.
Remy Clarke again impressed under the ring shooting 31 goals.
A third quarter lapse from the fourth-ranked Bairnsdale in “C” grade has seen them do down by three goals to the sixth-placed Drouin, who moved up a place off the back of the impressive win.
The Redlegs led by three goals at the half time thanks to great work in the initial half, before disastrous turnovers from the home side in the third quarter opened the door for Drouin.
The Hawks dominated the term (13-6), before holding off the determined Redlegs in the final quarter.
Marissa Warfe, Annora Virgo (31) and Katie Pearce all gave a good account of themselves for Bairnsdale, with Renee Scicluna also shooting 11 goals.
Bairnsdale maintained its unbeaten run in the under 17 competition, easily accounting for the fifth-placed Hawks by 16 goals.
The Redlegs won every quarter, increasing the nine-goal half time advantage with precision passing and accurate shooting from all ranges.
Mia Ballinger (13), Ava Langley (11), Marissa Warfe and Eve Sabell (31) all made outstanding contributors for Bairnsdale.
The Hawks climbed into the top five in the under 15s at the expense of the Redlegs.
Bairnsdale impressed early, leading by two goals at quarter time before Drouin upped the pressure in the middle two quarters, opening up a four-goal lead by three quarter time.
The last quarter was tight and full of pressure, as both sides tried their hearts out, a dogged Drouin hanging on.
Lilly Fullgrabe (24), Lillian Preston and Emme Hadden were the better players for Bairnsdale.
The Redlegs were comfortable winners in the under 13, victorious by 18 goals, 33-15.
A feature of their play was the second quarter (12-1) when they combined sensationally as a team.
Sharni Kelly (19), Halle Davis (14) and Isla Scicluna were the stars for the home side.
Bairnsdale will trek deep into South Gippsland this Saturday to do battle with Leongatha.
