Bairnsdale will host Morwell in a crucial round 12 Gippsland League clash this Saturday at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
The Redlegs will be desperate to break a three-game losing streak, with seventh position on the ladder the definitive reward for the victor. Morwell currently occupies seventh place on percentage alone ahead of the Redlegs, who managed a 21-point victory when the two sides last met at the Morwell Recreation Reserve back in round three.
Following the league-wide bye, a refreshed and refocused Bairnsdale lineup will be aiming to string together four consistent quarters — an effort that should be enough to get them over the line against the visitors.
While recent results haven’t gone their way, the Redlegs’ form line has been competitive. They were stiff to lose to Maffra, took the fight right to Traralgon for two-and-a-half quarters, and fought hard before succumbing to a powerful Leongatha outfit in South Gippsland, which is always a daunting assignment.
Morwell will arrive at City Oval high on confidence after dismantling Sale by 163 points in their last outing. However, the Redlegs on their home deck are a vastly different proposition. While the two sides appear evenly matched on paper, home-ground advantage should be enough to edge Bairnsdale ahead.
Meanwhile, over on the netball court, third-placed Bairnsdale should be far too strong for the eighth-ranked Tigers. Victory would push the Redlegs a crucial 10 points clear in third position, making a coveted double-chance finals finish look like a mere formality.
