Match Reviews | MAFFRA’S tough round 16 loss to Traralgon has firmly ruled the Eagles out of contention for the Gippsland League finals.

The Eagles turned the tables on the Maroons in the second term, with Rachel Weatherley and Tilly Fox combining for a 16-goal to seven-goal period to put the home team a goal ahead at half-time.

But Traralgon’s centre Indiana de Dios, who was best-on-court for her side, along with goal keeper Bronwyn Tebb and shooter Hannah Smith, helped the visitors punish the Eagles in the third and fourth terms as the visitors surged to a 16-goal victory.

Maffra defender Jayde Parsons was hard to go past as the club’s best player on Saturday, continuing her consistent form throughout the season. Zali Wheatley again put her name among the best with a commanding performance against Traralgon shooter Lara Noblett, while Elle Weatherley, the third member of a top-notch defensive group, also impressed.

Traralgon has now moved two points clear of the Eagles on the ladder, pushing Maffra into seventh, clearly ahead of Sale.

The Maroons could still sneak into finals if they win their next two games against Morwell and then Wonthaggi, the team they will be hunting down for fifth spot, in round 18.

The Power defeated the Magpies by 10 goals on Saturday, with Chelsea Bowman netting 33 goals in a best-on-court performance.

The match evened out through the middle stages, but Wonthaggi bookended it with a 14-8 first term and 14-11 fourth term to create some distance.

Eva Lindsay was strong in goal defence, while wing attack Ellie Bates impressed through the midcourt, with both joining Bowman in the home side’s top players. Sale wing attack Tash Beddgood, goalkeeper Ashleigh Keefe and centre Olivia Stothers were the visitors’ best.

Moe maintained its lead at the top of the ladder with a convincing 79-35 victory over Bairnsdale.

Jordan Pyle was the top-rated Lion for her role in goal defence against Bairnsdale’s Chloe Felsbourg.

Click here to read the full article