Bairnsdale moved back into the top five of Gippsland League netball with a demolition of Maffra in round 14 action at the Maffra Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
The Redlegs put in a strong four-quarter performance, never dropping their intensity with Anna Mooney (57 goals) and Sally Deller (27) accurate up forward leading the way.
Strong defence saw many forced turnovers, Bairnsdale’s quarter time lead of 10 turning into 26 by half time.
Paris Dunkley was solid in the mid court in her 150th club appearance, as the Redlegs ran out 80-28 winners. Dunkley joined Mooney and Alison Dwyer in the best players.
The Redlegs were chasing their first win of the season in “B” grade and at various times throughout the match the signs were positive.
Playing with great confidence, Bairnsdale opened up a five-goal advantage at quarter time, with Remy Clarke (30) and Olivia Rees (12) on target early.
The Eagles bounced back in the second term, snatching the lead by just a goal in the shadows of half time with turnovers costly for the Redlegs.
But to their credit they didn’t throw in the towel, mounting another challenge and opening the final term with a handy two-goal buffer, but it was the Eagles who were the steadiest in a thrilling final term, surging late to win by four goals.
Clarke, Rees and Sophie Bills led the way for the gallant Redlegs.
Bairnsdale stayed in the running for a finals spot in “C” grade with an easy 55-37 win over the Eagles.
The Redlegs asserted their authority in the first term, cruising to an easy win, a fitting tribute to Annora Virgo (35) in her 150th club appearance.
Such was the dominance of the team, they used all 11 listed players to great effect.
Renee Scicluna (20) teamed well with Virgo, who was named in the best with Brooke Soulsby and Tiana Andrews.
Bairnsdale sits sixth on ladder, trailing Traralgon on percentage, the Maroons lucky to beat Warragul by a solitary goal last Saturday.
The Redlegs under 17 team maintained its unbeaten season record with another phenomenal effort, beating the fifth side on the ladder Maffra by an incredible 44 goals.
Starting strong Bairnsdale eased past its opponents at every break with flawless shooting and classy defence.
It was a polished performance by the whole team with Mia Ballinger (13), Eve Sabell (29) and Olivia Pearson leading the charge.
Ava Langley also impressed around the goals shooting 21.
The under 15 Redlegs stayed in the running for a finals appearance with with a 39-29 win over a gallant Maffra.
Bairnsdale currently sits in sixth place on the ladder, four points ajar of the fifth-ranked Drouin.
The youngsters have been working hard on the training track and it certainly showed in last Saturday’s performance where they opened up an 11-goal advantage by half time, with defensive pressure and attacking play the standout across the whole court.
The Eagles tried to launch a comeback in the third team but Bairnsdale was stoic, keeping the pressure right on until the finish.
Macy Brodribb (16), Roxie Jackson (13) and Iylah Taylor were all in superb form for the Redlegs, while Lily Fullgrabe also showed plenty of polish slotting 10 goals.
It was a tough day for the young Redlegs in the under 13s with the Eagles’ sharp ball movement and accurate shooting making it challenging for the Bairnsdale to find any momentum.
The Redlegs went into the clash in fourth spot and dropped to fifth after the loss, leapfrogged by the Eagles who dominated the first three quarters in their 32-17 win.
Tana Bazley, Bella Brodribb and Isla Scicluna all battled hard for Bairnsdale who played its best netball in the final term with Halle Davis shooting 14 goals.
The Redlegs will host Wonthaggi this week at Bairnsdale City Oval.
