With the two remaining unbeaten sides meeting in Gippsland League netball last weekend at Bairnsdale City Oval, something had to give — and while the Redlegs pushed the powerful Drouin Hawks all the way, they ultimately came up short in a tight contest, 46–54.
The game was evenly contested in a fast-paced opening quarter, before Drouin lifted the tempo in the second term to edge into the lead. Bairnsdale took a moment to match the intensity, with the Hawks holding a three-goal advantage at half-time.
The third quarter was a high-intensity arm wrestle befitting the top two sides, played out in front of a strong and engaged crowd.
Mwai Kumwenda (44 goals) starred for the visitors, showcasing why she is the league’s leading shooter and earning best-on-court honours as Drouin proved too strong down the stretch.
For Bairnsdale, Chloe Felsbourg was among the standouts, while Anna Mooney marked her 150th club game with a strong performance, finishing with 38 goals. The Redlegs dropped to third on the ladder, behind Drouin and Moe.
In “B” grade, Rahni O’Connor and Marissa Warfe were among the better players as Bairnsdale took an early three-goal lead at quarter-time against a strong Hawks side. Despite creating turnovers, the Redlegs struggled to convert, allowing Drouin to build momentum and take control across the middle two quarters.
Bairnsdale finished strongly but the more experienced opposition proved too steady, with Drouin winning 61–47. Mia Ballinger (21 goals) and Maddison Fullgrabe (18) were busy for the Redlegs.
In “C” grade, Bairnsdale continued its inconsistent season, showing it can match any side in the competition for periods but again unable to sustain four-quarter pressure.
The Redlegs were level at quarter time and only three goals down at half time against the second-ranked Hawks, before a run of missed opportunities and turnovers allowed the visitors to take control in the second half.
Despite the result, the effort remained strong, with defenders Ali Banson and Vicky Waddell working hard throughout.
The final score of 46–34 reflected Drouin’s greater composure. Annora Virgo scored 19 goals.
The under 17 and under 15 sides continued their strong seasons. The under 17s ran out 47–26 winners, with Elise Sabell and Ava Langley (31 goals) leading the way, as the side remains second on the ladder.
In the under 15s, Roxie Jackson (14 goals) and Macy Brodribb were among the best in a 44–25 win, with Bairnsdale well placed in third.
Tulli McLeod also impressed, contributing 20 goals.
The under 13 girls continued their strong form with an emphatic 48–6 win, remaining second on the table.
Best-on honours went to Stella Anderson, whose work rate, vision and transition play stood out, while Bella Brodribb (12) was also influential across the court. Odette Cook was also named among the best, with Luca Smith (18) and Haddie McLeod (10) finishing strongly in front of goal.
The Redlegs head down the highway this Saturday to take on the Moe Lions at Northern Reserve.
