TRFM Gippsland League’s Eastern end clubs claimed bragging rights over their Western counterparts at Western Park last Saturday.
With Bendigo Football Netball League deciding not to provide an open netball opponent, the TRFM Gippsland League replaced the traditional Worksafe Community Championships netball fixture with the Metricon Intraleague Challenge.
West had late withdrawals and had to track down substitutes while the East went in at full strength.
The game started with great intensity from both sides, but the East team settled quickly and scored the first goal.
East's mid court of centre Stacey O'Brien, wing attack Rachael Allison and goal attack Sam Pearce worked tirelessly all match with great speed and agility, feeding the ball into their tall shooter, Ramayer Gourley, whose accuracy and strength in the circle was supreme.
The west defensive unit of Kym Diston, Taylah Bell and Maddy Stevenson worked hard to create some turnovers to keep it out of the goal circle.
Goal keeper Bell contested every ball but it was Gourley's day.
West goal attack Kate McCarthy proved herself early, taking some great shots, and the movement of the ball from Tomi Cook in the centre and wing attack Christie Edwards was purposeful.
Shooter Courtney Brann stepped up into the open squad for the day and, after a shaky start, settled well in the second quarter in which she shot beautifully.
The defence from the east with Caitlan Ponton, Courtney Garth, Amelia Charlton and Lexi Bowe applied great pressure to disrupt the West's forward thrusts.
With the East breaking away to a comfortable lead the West introduced 17 and under Warragul player Chiara Mulqueen at goal shooter.
Chiara moved well and put some lovely shots up in her stint on court.
The other highlight for the day was an all-abilities challenge match between two Drouin sides and Leongatha.
The All Ability program has been running for 12 years at Drouin, and this year the numbers have increased substantially, allowing two teams to compete on a weekly basis in the winter competition.
Both sides turned in a great performance and enjoyed the challenge.
Final score: Gippsland East 70 d Gippsland West 31
Photos courtesy of Clixz Sports Images
Last Modified on 24/05/2016 15:49
