By David Nagel
The West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC) looks set for an exciting and competitive season in 2022 with four matches on the weekend decided by single-figure margins.
We’re yet to see one of this year’s premiership favourites, Tooradin-Dalmore, in action just yet, but Dalyston and Korumburra Bena once again look set to be at the pointy end of the ladder.
The closest game of the weekend took place at Cora Lynn on Sunday, when the Cobras hosted Phillip Island.
This was a close match from the outset, with the Cobras leading 8-7 at quarter time before the Bulldogs bounced back to lead 18-17 at half time.
There were some great battles around the court with Cora Lynn’s midcourt of Karla Brook, Ellie Keen and Maddi Taylor breaking even with Jess Gysberts, Lexi Walton and yes…another Maddi Taylor…from the Bulldogs.
The Cobras’ new-look attack, headed by former defender Bianca Douglas, was working smoothly, with Emilee Dunn and Gemma Stacey by her side, while Emily Brook and Rhi Haines were trying to keep the Bulldogs’ goalers under wraps.
Cora Lynn coach Allan Douglas made some key moves at half time, with Danni Cameron (GD) coming on for her Cobras’ debut, and moving Haines to Wing Defence.
The Cobras automatically looked a different team with Cameron playing a superb third quarter, making some wonderful intercepts and dissecting the Bulldogs’ mid-court with her athleticism and precise passing.
Douglas and Stacey hit some crucial shots inside the ring and the Cobras looked a great chance of winning after taking a 27-23 lead to the final change.
But the game swung again in the final quarter, with Gysberts (WD), Taylor (C) and Amber Formosa (WA) providing the Bulldogs with great drive, while Ella Duggan (GS) and the experienced Christie Edwards (GA) combined wonderfully well at the attacking end of the court.
Anthea Bennett (GK) and Sophie Gysberts (GD) also tightened the strings in defence, and the Bulldogs brave comeback was underway.
The Doggies hit the lead mid-way through the final term and, despite a brave response from the Cobras, would runaway winners 36-34 at the final whistle.
Both coaches would be happy with their team’s play…but that 12-7 final quarter made all the difference in the end.
Dalyston, the 2021 minor premier, would appear to be a major front-runner again this time around after a 53-15 victory over Kooweerup at Denhams Road on Saturday.
Talking about making a statement…the Magpies were absolutely brilliant in their opening quarter for the season, scoring 19 goals to three.
Gemma Thomas (GS) was on fire for the Magpies, scoring 18 first-quarter goals, with Hannah McRae (C), Ruby Brosnan (WA) and Chloe Bramley (WA) doing as they liked through the midcourt.
Olivia Bramley (GK) and Alana McRae (GD) were doing their thing in defence, while Grace McRae (GA) was feeding Thomas with some exquisitely clean ball.
An 80-plus score looked on the cards for the Magpies, but full credit to the Demons for tightening things up after quarter time.
That disastrous 19-3 first quarter was followed by a 13-4 second term, much more acceptable for the Demons’ faithful.
Taylah Simpson (GK) and Mikaela Stokkel (GD) worked tirelessly in defence, while Logan Dickson (C), Layla Williams (WD) and Abbey Miller (WA) provided a more competitive combo through the midcourt.
Zara McLeod (GS) and Jayda McConkey (GA) were still starved of opportunity, but the Demons did improve as unit after the first break.
The Magpies won the first half 32-7, but the Demons did well to peg that back to 21-8 after half time.
In other games this week, Korumburra Bena was pushed to its limits by Inverloch-Kongwak, finally winning 52-47 in a high-quality game at Korumburra, while Nar Nar Goon scored a very impressive 49-44 victory over Bunyip.
The Goon girls finished eighth on the ladder last season, and have taken down the fourth-placed team from last year in round one…that’s very exciting for the team from Spencer Street.
And Warragul Industrials was forced to work much harder than expected, winning by just nine goals, 46-37, over a vastly-improved Garfield.
The Dusties finished fifth on the ladder last season, while the Stars were languishing in last place in the 11-team competition.
And in the final game, Tooradin-Dalmore had the 20-0 walkover against Kilcunda-Bass.
This week’s matches (Round 2): Bunyip v Cora Lynn, Garfield v Nar Nar Goon, Inverloch-Kongwak v Kooweerup, Phillip Island v Warragul Industrials, Tooradin-Dalmore v Korumburra-Bena, Dalyston v Kilcunda-Bass.
