WITH just three rounds left until East Gippsland Hockey Association's final, all teams were keen to consolidate their positions in the finals last weekend.
Maffra shows improvement
MAFFRA headed to Swan Reach last weekend and put in some great performances.
In the under 13s, Maffra put up a strong effort in defence but Swan Reach was too strong and won the match 6-1.
The under 15s was close with both sides putting up a solid performance. At the end of the day a 1-1 draw was probably the right result.
Maffra Red continued its unbeaten run in the women's with a solid 3-0 victory.
The men's was a reversal of the women's result with Swan Reach taking the match 3 - 0. Maffra men have put in some convincing performances in the last two weeks.
Tough day for Wurruk
WURRUK had a hard day in its round of matches against Nagle. Nagle was dominant in the under 13's, turning in a 15-1 victory. Under 18's was even tougher with a 23 -0 win to Nagle.
Nagle women came off the back of a 3-0 victory over Orbost last week to break that unbeaten run so it was always going to be difficult for cellar dwellers Wurruk.
The Wurruk women put up a reasonable performance and apart from the last 10 minutes of the second half was reasonably competitive.
At the end of the day, though, Nagle was too strong and won 13 nil.
Nagle showed last Saturday that it is getting closer to the top sides with a 1-1 draw with finals hopefuls Wurruk.
Wurruk, still missing three of its big gun players, struggled to overcome a good performance from Nagle.
Sale has easy run
SALE Cygnets played Maffra Black in its women's match this round. The Cygnets were the stronger of the two sides with a convincing 7-0 victory over Maffra.
Unfortunately, Churchill was unable to field a team for this round so handed Sale an easy four finals points.
Bairnsdale dominant
BAIRNSDALE was undefeated in its home games against Orbost.
Orbost under 13's have been very strong all season this year. Bairnsdale was stronger on the day, though with a 2 -1 victory over the visitors.
Under 15's match was also a victory for Bairnsdale. Orbost turned in a good performance to get close in a nail-biting 4-3 win to Bairnsdale the final result.
Bairnsdale were dominant in their under 18's match and inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Orbost.
Orbost were keen to avenge its defeat last week at the hands of Nagle.
With just three points separating Orbost and Wurruk in the battle for fourth place on the men's ladder, the match against Bairnsdale was a critical one for the Orbost side.
In the end Orbost managed to fight out a 2-2 draw.
Next Saturday is the second last round of the home and away season.
Wurruk will be at Little Athletics Ground, Sale for their matches against Swan Reach. Orbost are at home against Sale, Maffra will travel to Nagle, Sale Swans are at home to Maffra Black and Churchill will travel to Bairnsdale.
In under 13's, Swan Reach should defeat Wurruk, Orbost will be too strong for Sale and Nagle will probably beat Maffra.
In under 15's Sale should defeat Orbost and Nagle will be too strong for the improving Maffra.
In the under 18's, Sale should defeat for Orbost while Swan Reach will be too strong for Wurruk.
Women's should see Maffra Red extend its unbeaten run against giant killers Nagle, Orbost should defeat Sale Cygnets, Swan Reach should beat Wurruk and Sale Swans and Maffra Black will be the closest game of the round.
The Men's will be an interesting round. Wurruk and Swan Reach could go either way.
Nagle and Maffra will also be a close game, as well as Sale and Orbost.
Next week Swan Reach play Wurruk in all divisions except under 15's. All games will be held at Sale Little Athletics ground, Dawson St.
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