Bairnsdale maintained its unbeaten Gippsland netball run on Sunday, making it three wins from as many matches with a strong performance over Morwell at the Morwell Recreation Reserve.
The Redlegs entered the contest on a hot, sunny day full of confidence, with added motivation from playing assistant coach Alison Dwyer’s milestone 100th club game. The opening quarter was tightly contested in a high-tempo start, but Bairnsdale lifted in the second term, piling on eight unanswered goals to take a 10-goal lead into half time.
Morwell responded after the break, but Bairnsdale’s defensive pressure through Dwyer, Sally Deller and Ruby Dunkley repeatedly created intercepts and turnovers. The Redlegs held firm to secure another strong win, with Paris Dunkley, Jordy O’Connor and Anna Mooney (35 goals) among the standouts, while Chloe Felsbourg (14) also contributed strongly.
One of the matches of the day came in “B” grade, which finished in a 47–47 draw. Morwell led by two goals at half time, but Bairnsdale responded after the main break with renewed intensity. The Redlegs took a three-goal lead into the final quarter before Morwell fought back in a tense finish, with Bairnsdale ultimately holding on to secure a share of the points.
Youngsters Mia Ballinger (27), Maddison Fullgrabe, Marissa Warfe and Isla Pearson (20) were among the best for the Redlegs.
“C” grade proved a contrasting contest, with Morwell racing to a 15-goal half time lead. However, Bairnsdale produced a strong second-half fightback, outscoring the Tigers 27–16 after the main break to narrow the final margin to just four goals. Annora Virgo (34) was influential in attack, while Phoebe Holland and Dani Johnson drove the midcourt effort. Coaches Paris Dunkley and Anna Mooney managed rotations well as the side continues to develop into a competitive unit.
The under 17s produced a dominant display, defeating Morwell 75–10 to remain firmly inside the top three. Ava Langley (37) and Liv Pearson (38) led the scoring, supported by sharp midcourt transition work and a relentless defensive unit that restricted Morwell throughout. Pearson, Elise Sabell and Tahlia Chilla were among the standouts in a complete team performance.
The under 15s secured their first win of the season with a commanding 67–21 victory, built on a 20–4 opening quarter. Tulli McLeod (36) and Roxie Jackson (22) combined strongly in attack, while Piper Crawley and the defensive unit produced multiple intercepts as Bairnsdale controlled the game from start to finish.
The under 13s delivered another thriller, edging out Morwell by a goal in a 30–29 victory. Momentum swung throughout the contest, but the Redlegs steadied late to come from a goal down at three-quarter time. Haddie McLeod and Bella Brodribb showed composure under pressure, while Holly Mitchell’s long passing helped generate key attacking opportunities.
Bairnsdale will host Warragul this Saturday at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
