Bairnsdale put up one of its best performances of the season, drawing with ladder leader Moe in round 14 of the Gippsland League last Saturday.
The Redlegs held a two-goal advantage at half time as they worked hard in difficult and damp conditions on their home court.
The Lions bounced back in then third term, creating some vital turnovers, beginning the final quarter with a one-goal advantage.
In a neck and neck last term in driving rain, neither side lost their nerve, the score changing hands numerous times, the siren sounding with scores locked on 44 apiece, a fitting result for a high class game of netball.
Anna Mooney (24 goals) and Sally Deller (20) led the way up front for the Redlegs, whose best players were Brielle Malady, Mooney and Tayla Falconer. The draw sees Bairnsdale holding onto fifth spot by just two points from Wonthaggi, four points behind the fourth ranked Traralgon.
The Redlegs face another huge game this week when they take on the third-placed Warragul at home.
There was no fairytale with back-to-back wins in “B” grade, the third-placed Lions easily accounting for the Redlegs by 34 goals. Remy Clarke (14) and Liv Rees (12) were the pick of the players for Bairnsdale.
Two evenly matched sides in took to the court in “C” grade with the Redlegs establishing an early lead and holding on to win by four goals.
The defenders worked hard to defy a determined Moe outfit.
Annora Virgo (20) and Mikayla Shaw were standouts for the Redlegs.