THE premiership flag reaching its apex before the start of play was the highest point for Traralgon on Saturday when Leongatha rained on the Maroons' parade in round one of the Gippsland League.
Though not as humbling as last year's record 123-point thrashing, Traralgon was again shown up by the Parrots in the season opener 11.10 (76) to 5.15 (45) at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve.
With a healthy crowd on hand to witness the flag raising and Jason Winderlich's debut in maroon it was Beau Vernon's men who stole the show and led start to finish.
It was the opposite of last season's grand final as Leongatha made the early running in a 3.2 (20) first quarter while keeping the home team to a single behind.
Traralgon finally split the big sticks in the second to win the term 2.4 (16) to 2.3 (15), but the visitor held a 19-point advantage at half-time.
It was even keel again in the third as the Maroons failed to hit the target and registered six behinds to just two majors to let the Parrots off the hook.
Last season's runner-up took full advantage in the final term and kicked four goals to one, as Traralgon again struggled for accuracy with 1.5 (11) for the quarter, to finish 31 points ahead.
Traralgon Tyers United recruit Haydn Hector showed he was at home at Gippsland League level to receive the votes for Traralgon's best on the day.
The host was also well served by coach Mark Collison, defensive lynchpin Adrian Slottje and Troy Forrest.
Bairnsdale defended its strong home record against Drouin in an uncompromising five point ball game.
The Redlegs emerged 10.9 (69) to 9.10 (64) winners in a match that was separated by no more than six points at any change.
James Gibbs booted four goals for the home side.
A five goal second quarter helped Warragul account for Moe at Western Park in another tight tussle.
Moe led by five at the first change but a 5.8 (38) to 2.2 (14) second term set the Gulls on course for a 16 point win by the final siren.
Brayden Fowler starred for Warragul with four goals, a tally shared by Lion Mark Engley.
Wonthaggi Power turned in a strong second half to fend off a feisty Morwell 11.16 (82) to 7.5 (47).
The Power jumped to a 17 point quarter-time lead but Morwell made it a two point game by half-time after kicking 4.4 (28) in the second.
Morwell was held scoreless in the third as the Power added a couple of majors, then shut the door with four more in the last.
Sunday's Battle of the Birds was taken out by a resurgent Maffra, 11.19 (85) to 8.4 (52) over Sale.
The Eagles soared on their second wind after the main break to overturn a 14 point deficit and led by four at the final change.
Maffra added 36 points to Sale's seven in the final term to claim east Gippsland bragging rights.
Sam Darroch, Latrobe Valley Express
Last Modified on 14/04/2016 14:11
