Gippsland Times |
SALE held second spot on the Gippsland League A grade netball ladder, scoring an upset 14 goal win over ladder leader Morwell in round 18.
In a tough, physical game at Morwell, it was even 10-all at the first change. Sale edged ahead to lead 20-14 at the main break then broke away in the third quarter with quick movement of the ball and solid defence to lead 31-18.
After a final quarter dominated by defenders, Sale won 36-22.
Sale defenders Mel Johnston and Kate Eddy forced turnovers and made life difficult for the Morwell shooters. Wing defender Taryn Cunningham, who got the auction award for best on court, set up attacking moves for the mid court players.
At mid court, Tori Dessent, Tianna Hogan and Layla Simmons worked in well with Lara Dunkley and Fiona Vandersnoek, who shot well to put a winning score on the board.
Morwell finished on top of the ladder followed by Sale, Traralgon, Drouin and Moe, who moved into fifth spot after defeating Bairnsdale 43-37.
Traralgon had to work hard for its 48-29 win at Leongatha, while Drouin had a 55-41 win over Maffra.
Sale will play Traralgon in the qualifying final on Saturday.
In C grade, fifth-placed Sale scored an upset 28-24 win over second placed Morwell.
Both the Sale under 15 and 17 teams, who will play in the elimination finals at Sale, had good wins. Maffra also won in both under 15 and under 17s, and will play in qualifying finals on Saturday.
In the under 13s, Maffra go into the finals undefeated.
Gippsland League finals - week one
Qualifying final, Saturday at Traralgon:
A grade: Sale v Traralgon, 2.20pm.
B grade: Morwell v Moe, 1pm.
C grade: Morwell v Moe, noon.
Under 17s: Traralgon v Maffra, 11am.
Under 15s: Moe v Maffra, 10am.
Under 13s: Wonthaggi Power v Moe, 9am.
Elimination final, Sunday at Sale:
A grade: Drouin v Moe, 2.20pm.
B grade: Drouin v Bairnsdale, 1pm.
C grade: Wonthaggi Power v Sale, noon.
Under 17s: Sale v Bairnsdale, 11am.
Under 15s: Sale v Bairnsdale, 10am.
Under 13s: Bairnsdale v Traralgon, 9am.
