Gulls defeat Hawks in A grade final

Warragul secured a four-goal win in the A grade qualifying final at Maffra on Saturday.
It was a goaling nightmare as strong winds took shots off target, with a definite "scoring end" established as the game progressed.

Drouin was impacted late in the second and fourth quarters, with Warragul finding it tough in the third quarter.
Warragul had a strong start, with great goaler-to-goaler passes getting the Gulls closer to the post. At quarter time, the Gulls led 14-11.
As well as being a tall target, goal shooter Emma Ryde cleaned up a couple of loose passes to keep Warragul just in front.
As the wind picked up, goal keeper Ella Rees forced a turnover to establish a six-goal lead. However, a late Drouin comeback cut the score back to 28-24 at half time.
The third quarter was tough. Missed shots up both ends of the court were common and, as Drouin tightened its defence, Warragul found the scores level.
Penalties flowed in the Warragul defence and Ryde was forced to put up multiple shots, only to see them blown off course.
As a result, the Gulls scored only three goals for the term to trail 31-34 at the last break.
Warragul stepped it up in the last, with stronger passing and linking a feature. Rees was everywhere, with turnovers and deflections.
Scores were soon locked at 40-40 with both teams creating chances from turnovers.
Two late turnovers by Alex Cole were vital in establishing a lead and the Gulls held on after a sensational 14 goal to seven final quarter.