Warragul young gun Ben Hughes shows his disappointment after missing a goal in Saturday’s 40point win over Traralgon.By Ken Moore
THE mighty Eagles are back! Maffra banished any lingering fears that it was on the slide when it knocked off the previously undefeated ladder leader, Sale, by three points after a snapped goal by Adrian Burgiel with the last kick of the game.
It was a heartbreaking loss for Sale, which was gallant in defeat, having suffered injuries and been on the wrong side of a few controversial umpiring decisions.
Played in front of a big crowd last Sunday at Maffra, the first half was littered with errors but in the second half the standard picked up appreciably and spectators witnessed one of the most tensionpacked games in years.
The lead changed five times in the last quarter and a draw would have been a more fitting result.
With midfield drive from Ben Batalha, Craig Robbins, Cam Streeter and Ben Coleman Maffra rammed on five unanswered goals in the second term to turn a 12point deficit into a 19point halftime lead.
Straight after the main interval the Eagles, with a goal by Tom Rawlins, stretched their lead to 25 points but Sale hit back hard to creep within six points at the last break.
Had it not been for poor finishing in front of the big sticks, the Magpies should have hit the front during the the quarter.
In the last term an early goal by emerging star Chris Aurisch reduced the lead to only two points but play was halted for well over five minutes while Sale playmaker Justin McLay left the ground on a stretcher.
Sale hit the front at the 10minute mark with a long goal by Gippsland Power onballer Michael Todd, but five minutes later Winston Gieschen replied to steal back the lead for the Eagles.
A goal on the run to Stuart Anderson restored the lead for Sale but a spectacular mark and conversion by Maffra’s Sale City recruit Daniel Stubbe at the 28minute mark put the home side ahead.
At the 31minute mark an Aurisch ballburster from outside 50 metres sailed through and the visitors looked home, however a lastgasp snap by Adrian Burgiel stole victory for Maffra at the 35minute mark.
The ball went back to the centre, no team could get a centre clearance and the siren sounded within seconds to finish a memorable game.
There was no quarter given or taken by either side, the smothers, tackling and bumps being a highlight.
There was no better player on the field than Magpie veteran Kane Fraser, who did well on Adrian Burgiel in the first half and then provided the spark for the Sale revival in the second.
For the Magpies Stuart Anderson, James Hamill and Michael Todd offered plenty of run through the middle and Shane Fyfe was inspirational in defence.
For Maffra, Craig Robbins, Ben Batalha and defenders Sam Bristow and Matt and Lee Forsyth repelled many attacks.
An injuryravaged Traralgon has tumbled out of the top five after it went down to Warragul by 40 points.
The Gulls finished full of running with a sevengoal last quarter to ice the game.
Emerging Gippsland Power tall Ben Hughes provided a strong target with five goals and Kael Bergles was lively around the sticks with four majors.
Ryan Davey, Nick Edney and Des Barr wreaked havoc midfield and ruckman Matt Gray was again in contention for votes.
For the Maroons, halfback Trevor Brady and forward Richard Hood both impressed in only their second game and ruckman Adrian Harper battled manfully.
Fuelled by a strong finish, Moe ran out a 49point winner over Drouin.
The Hawks were on the front foot early, dobbing the first three goals before Moe stepped up a gear and snatched the lead midway through the second term.
Moe had no answer for young Lion powerhouse Karl Mutke, who notched seven goals, all after the 10minute mark of the third quarter.
The versatile and classy Dean Caldow plugged holes at both ends of the field and the pace of Matt Dickason, Brad Wedrowicz and Liam Carrolan worried the Hawks and enabled it to break the lines.
Drouin ruckman Bob McCallum was outstanding showing all the skills, both in the air and on the ground, halfback Kent Edwards thwarted countless attacks and Chris Wallace impressed with his aggressive running and strong bodywork all over the field.
Morwell condemned Leongatha to its eighth straight loss, this week by 102 points.
In a remarkable solo effort and exhibition of strong marking, beanpole change ruckman Don Webb turned forward bagging 11 goals.
Gippsland Power wingman Rob Michaelidis provided plenty of drive and had midfield allies in Luke Franklin, Adam Bailey and Julian Blackford.
