Gippsland Times | SALE showed it is still a side to be reckoned with in the Gippsland League, recording a major upset over the previously undefeated Leongatha.
The 14.9 (93) to 13.12 (90) victory was just the Magpies' second of the year, but one coach Travis Ronaldson will hope can give his young side the confidence to turn their season around.
Leongatha jumped out of the blocks in the first quarter, however, the Parrots failed to make the most of their opportunities, kicking 4.6.
Just when it looked like the Parrots would continue on with the form that has seen them take all before them in 2015, Sale turned the tide on the flag favourites, storming back into the contest with six second quarter goals to take a nine-point lead into the long break.
From there on it was a tight contest, with neither side managing to break away from their opponent in the second half. The Magpies held onto a slim lead heading into the final change, with Ronaldson urging his charges to continue to take the fight to the Parrots.
What appeared prior to the match to be a likely one-sided Leongatha victory turned out to be anything but. The teams traded goals in the final term, kicking three apiece to keep the match on a knife's edge.
At the final siren it was the home team who had its nose in front, recording a famous three-point victory.
Basketball star Rhys Carter flourished in his role as a forward, booting three goals for Sale. He was supported by half a dozen other goal kickers, while Shane Fyfe was the Magpies' best.
Jake Best and Aaron Hillberg kicked three goals each for the Parrots, while Dale Hoghton was their best.
Traralgon into top two
WHILE the two flag favourites failed to salute on the weekend, Traralgon went about its business as usual, defeating Bairnsdale by 48 points to move into the top two.
Despite being widely forecast to finish among the bottom half of the ladder in 2015, the ‘f’ word is now being realistic used in conversations about the Maroons. After five rounds new coach Mark Collison looks to have them set on the path to the finals, with the weekend’s 18.15 (123) to 11.9 (75) victory showing they can kick a big score when required.
A slow start had Traralgon trailing by 13 points at quarter-time, however the home side picked up the pace throughout the next two quarters to lead by seven at the final change.
The final term was all Traralgon as they kicked 8.5 to Bairnsdale’s 2.0 to run out a comfortable winner.
Tim Johnson and Danny Campbell kicked three goals each for the Maroons, while Stephen Henshaw booted a handful in an impressive performance.
DROUIN recorded its third victory of the year, outscoring Moe in the final three quarters to win by 35 points.
The first quarter was quite a contrast, with the Hawks wasting their opportunities while the Lions managed to kick straight. Moe took a three-point lead into quarter-time, however, that’s where their fortune ended, as Drouin went on to dominate the next three quarters.
A transformed side this season, the Hawks proved far too strong in the end running out winners, 14.19 (103) to 10.8 (68).
Jackson Kos and Ben Hughes kicked three each, while Cameron Hall was named Drouin’s best. Moe coach Adrian Burgiel kicked three in a disappointing performance for his side, which was coming off the back of an impressive win over Wonthaggi.
WONTHAGGI disposed of a hapless Warragul by 50 points to jump into the top three on the ladder.
Neither team could find the gap between the big sticks in the first quarter, with Wonthaggi’s 0.3 enough to give it a two-point lead at quarter-time.
From there the home side got on top, as the game followed the expected narrative with the Power running out victorious 9.13 (67) to 2.5 (17).
Joel Liddle and Troy Harley were the games only multiple goal scorers, while Toma Huther was the Power’s best. Bradley Scalzo put in a strong performance for the Gulls as their dismal season continued.
