Top three gain a handy break

Leongatha, Maffra and Traralgon hold the important top three positions on the Gippsland League ladder after the first half of the home and away rounds was completed at the weekend.

Results of the two games on Saturday to end a round split over the past fortnight were as expected although top of the ladder Leongatha was given a fright by Morwell when the Tigers staged a great third quarter comeback.

Trailing by 32 points at half time Morwell added 7-7 to 3-1 in the third term of their clash at Morwell and looked headed for a possible upset.

But the near full strength Parrots found top gear again to charge away and win comfortably at the finish, 1613 to 10-10.

Traralgon made it six wins from nine games this season when it easily defeated Warragul.

It has been a steady comeback from the Maroons that were in a state of shock after round one when dealt a 123-point hiding by Leongatha.

The loss has been on the minds of all at Traralgon ever since and they’ve had next Saturday’s return bout at Traralgon inked in their diaries.

While the top three on the ladder have taken a small break over other potential finalists the battle for the remaining places in the “five” will intensify every week until the end of the season.

Wonthaggi Power, Sale and Drouin all are on the credit side of the ledger - five wins against four losses - and hold 4th to 6th places in that order.

Drouin’s poor percentage probably means it needs to win an extra game to claim a spot in the finals.

Next weekend’s round 10 has a number of matches that might well shape the eventual finals’ make-up.

Drouin has a “must win” trip to Bairnsdale.

The Hawks won the round one clash at Drouin but will come up against a side that is much more formidable at home and riding a high after a barnstorming finish in its previous game to down Moe.

Moe must win against Warragul at home to keep alive its faintest of hopes while Wonthaggi and Morwell could have their seasons riding on the result of their clash at Wonthaggi.

The loser certainly faces a big job to make the finals.

Traralgon (3rd) has gained some breathing space.

Its mission on Saturday will be to show that round one against Leongatha was an aberration.

Sale versus Maffra Sunday games are always big crowd pullers.

This week at Sale will be no exception with both sides building towards their top line-ups.

Maffra can almost count on a double chance in the finals if it can get over the Magpies.

For Sale a place in the “five” at least will look much more secure if it wins.

Round 10 matches at ground s of first named clubs:SATURDAY: Bairnsdale v. Drouin. Moe v. Warragul. Traralgon v. Leongatha. Wonthaggi Power v. Morwell. SUNDAY: Sale v. Maffra.