In a top-of-the-table clash at the Drouin Recreation Reserve in round 15 of the Gippsland League, second-placed Drouin and third-placed Bairnsdale played out a sensational draw in “A” grade.
The Redlegs stormed back from a slow start to grab a last-minute 38-38 draw. Professional and technically strong all season, the Bairnsdale side looks to have discovered another gear, adding composure and mental strength at the perfect time to finish the season strongly.
The home side came out firing from the start, and the Redlegs failed to match them, with uncharacteristic errors and an inability to settle giving the advantage to Drouin at the first break (12-7).
A much-improved second quarter saw Bairnsdale show far more fight as they contested every ball, holding the hosts to a six-goal margin at half time.
The third quarter was a similar story as both sides slugged it out relentlessly. The Redlegs, driven on by Sally Deller and the combative strength of Sophie Scott and Alison Dwyer, refused to lie down and continued to press, but were held at arm’s length by the experienced hosts.
That was by no means the end of the story. Bairnsdale jumped out of the blocks in the final quarter and became an irresistible force. With away supporters creating a home-game atmosphere, the Redlegs put on the most impressive show of willpower seen from a Bairnsdale team in many years.
Urged on from the bench, they reined in the home side, equalising the scores on the buzzer.
The ever-improving Bairnsdale squad will gain great confidence heading into this week’s visit from premiership short-priced favourites Moe, having learned much about themselves over the last two weeks.
Deller, Dwyer and Chloe Felsbourg (13 goals) impressed for the Redlegs, while Anna Mooney shot 25 goals.
In “B” grade, Bairnsdale found the going tough against the top-three contending Hawks, falling 50-44.
The Redlegs fought hard in a determined performance, showing teamwork and cohesion across all quarters. All square at the first break, the hosts capitalised on unforced errors and below-par feeds into the ring to take a definitive seven-goal lead at half time.
A strong third period by Bairnsdale, backed by increased communication and encouragement on and off court, closed the gap to four. Bairnsdale got within touching distance in the final term but couldn’t quite finish the job.
Rahni O’Connor, Mia Ballinger (24 goals), and Rose Langley were in good form for the visitors, with Isla Pearson also shooting 20 goals.
Multiple absences in “C” grade gave Bairnsdale the chance to introduce several younger players, and they can be exceptionally proud of their efforts against the ladder leader despite a 26-41 loss.
The scoreline doesn’t do justice to the effort and courage shown by the much younger Redlegs outfit.
A season-best performance from Mikayla Shaw in defence and excellent midcourt strength from Heidi Carter were standouts throughout the game. Tulli McLeod stepped up from the under 15 side and showed tremendous composure and power, contributing 13 goals.
In the juniors, Liv Pearson (20 goals) and Rosie Cawood put in match-winning performances at each end of the court to down fifth-placed Drouin 46-28.
It was a high-effort performance from the second-ranked Redlegs, with a standout 18 interceptions laying the foundations for a comfortable victory. Chloe Allen was dynamic, and Ava Langley shot 26 goals.
The under 15s continued their run of great form, cruising past the Hawks 36-14 in a performance built around the efforts of Ashtyn Stone and Lily Preston.
While not as fluent as they can be, the young Redlegs were never seriously tested, maintaining their hold on third spot on the ladder. Macy Brodribb, Lucy Emslie and Isla Scicluna all had good games, with Tulli McLeod shooting 23 goals.
It was a similar story in the under 13 fixture, as the baby Redlegs produced another dominant performance, defeating Drouin 48–10.
Currently ranked second, Bairnsdale displayed great ball movement and relentless defensive pressure across the court, setting the tone from the opening whistle.
Olive Evans was outstanding with her vision and consistency through attack, while Stella Anderson starred at goal keeper with numerous intercepts. Bella Brodribb led the goalscorers with 22, and Luca Smith finished with 16. It was another terrific team performance, with everyone working together and continuing to build strong combinations.
Bairnsdale will welcome the Moe Lions to Bairnsdale City Oval this week, with the first game kicking off at 9am.
