It was a lean day for the Bairnsdale netballers during round 10 of the the Gippsland League, the unbeaten under 15s the only ray of sunshine last Saturday against Traralgon.
The Redlegs “A” graders were going for four wins in row, but the fourth-ranked Maroons were certainly going to be a challenge, and that they were.
The Redlegs’ defensive pressure caused Traralgon numerous turnovers in the first quarter as they raced to a handy seven-goal lead.
Traralgon regrouped and played impressively in the second stanza, reducing the lead to just one at half time.
The second half was a tight physical contest, the Maroons building up a three-goal lead in the third quarter and holding on despite the numerous efforts the persistent Bairnsdale side made to eat into the margin.
Anna Mooney (18 goals) and Sally Deller were standouts for the Redlegs who sit in sixth position with a huge match against the eighth-ranked Morwell this week.
“B” GRADE
The winless Redlegs had their work cut out for them up against the top side, who raced to an early lead.
To the Redlegs’ credit they stuck to the task at hand, outscoring the Maroons in the second half, to go down by just 14.
Olivia Rees and Maddi Fullgrabe were instrumental in the fightback, while Kayla Neilsen shot 26 goals in an impressive performance.
Continued efforts like this in the coming weeks will surely see the Redlegs breakthrough for a win.
“C” GRADE
The Maroons led by nine goals at half time, but Bairnsdale rallied in the second half, going down gallantly by just six.
Awards went to Trish Le and Cindy Lynch, with Annora Virgo shooting 19 goals.
UNDER 17
The third-ranked Redlegs faced a daunting opponent in the unbeaten Maroons, but certainly didn’t shirk the issue.
Traralgon started stronger, basic skill errors and ball placement costing the Redlegs, their defensive pressure keeping them in the game.
A better second half by the Redlegs saw them play more consistently but they were unable to peg back Traralgon’s early lead, eventually going down by seven goals.
Among the best were Mia Ballinger (15) and Rose Langley, while Eva Sabell converted 17 attempts.
UNDER 15
The unbeaten Redlegs were matched against a formidable foe in the the third-placed Maroons.
After a tight start, both teams scoring off their centres, it was Bairnsdale who managed to sneak ahead by two goals at half time.
Bairnsdale dominated the third quarter, every player doing their role and they held a 10-goal lead going into the last quarter.
Bairnsdale held its momentum, comfortably winning by 13 goals.
Tahlia Chila and Chloe Allen both had outstanding games, while Ava Langley (18) and Olivia Pearson (26) were in hot form under the ring.
UNDER 13 Bairnsdale started strong contesting everything and was still in the game at half time, with the two Isla’s (Blake and Scicluna) and Georgia Irish strong in defence.
Traralgon dominated the second half, winning by 14 goals, however Bairnsdale showed vast improvements from its first round contest, which makes for an exciting finish to the season.
Awards went to Isla Blake and Sharni Kelly.
IMAGE: Bairnsdale “A” grade shooter Anna Mooney has been a consistent high level performer for the Redlegs this season. Despite her 18-goal effort last Saturday, Bairnsdale went down to the powerful Traralgon by three goals.
