Bairnsdale finished the Gippsland netball season in a blaze of glory, winning all six matches at the Bairnsdale City Oval last Saturday against Maffra.
It was an ideal preparation for the four Redlegs teams set to feature in finals this weekend at Moe on Saturday, where they hope victory will earn them a right to play for a grand final spot.
Bairnsdale set the “A” grade victory up with productive first half, cruising to victory (34-22) after leading by 10 at half time in a solid hit out where the attacking players were made to earn every goal.
Ruby Dunkley, Olivia Rees, and Sally Deller leading the way for the Redlegs, with Anna Mooney shooting 26 goals.
The Redlegs finished the season in third spot on the ladder.
Bairnsdale were out of blocks quickly in “B” grade, peeling off a 14-7 first quarter, the Eagles offered some resistance in the second term.
The Redlegs were too good in the second half, winners 45-35, with Brielle Malady, Marissa Warfe, and Rahni O’Connor standouts.
Olivia Pearson (21) and Mia Ballinger (23) impressed up front, Bairnsdale finishing the season strongly, finishing with seven wins in seventh place.
The “C” grade contest was hard fought, the Redlegs doing enough in the first half to establish an eight goal advantage, which set up a 30-19 win.
Ali Banson, Mikayla Shaw, and Ryli Ayton among the better players, Bairnsdale finishing the season in sixth spot with eight wins.
A superb 16-5 first term for the 17 and under girls, meant any easy day at the office with plenty of chances to give everyone some court time a week out from the finals.
The second-placed Redlegs cruised to a 47-25 victory, with Ava Langley (24) and Olivia Pearson (18) among the goals.
Emme Hadden, Rosalie Cawood, and Chloe Allen were among the better players, the girls looking to be in good form heading into Saturday.
The closest match of the day was in the 15 and under match, where the third-placed Redlegs were given run for their money in second half by the sixth-placed Eagles.
Bairnsdale led by 13 at half time, but Maffra never gave up reducing the margin to just four at the final buzzer.
Lillian Preston, Piper Crawley, and Macy Brodribb all impressing, with Tulli McLeod shooting 38 goals.
The most interesting encounter of the day was always going to be the 13 and under fixture, with the sides set to meet again this week in the qualifying final.
The Redlegs winners on the day, 23-18, having the answers late in all four quarters.
Ally Wood-Laird, Tana Bazley, and Bella Brodribb led the way in a solid team performance.
