Thrilling one-goal win by Wonthaggi Power 17s

THE scene is set for an important match for Wonthaggi Power at Maffra today against a team that was building up a head of steam before a six-goal loss against arch rivals at Sale last week.

But, at home just a game out of the top five, Maffra shape as a danger to second-placed Wonthaggi who must win or else face the prospect of slipping out of the top three.

The Maffra oval looks like a bowling green for the match and a good crowd of Wonthaggi supporters have come across, to make the second-longest trip in the Gippsland League.

And they've had plenty to keep them interested ahead of the big game with an absolute thriller in the Under 17 netball, between third-placed Wonthaggi and sixth-placed Maffra.

At the last change, Maffra were leading by two in a great end-to-end contest but despite having a few away, Wonthaggi got up in an exciting run to the line, to win by one goal.

The Wonthaggi Power Thirds weren't quite so fortunate, down on numbers on the day with three sick with COVID or the flu and another five injured but they battled on to hold the Maffra scoring down until they lost three players during the match. Maffra ultimately winning 15.9.99 to Wonthaggi 2.1.13 with one by Reeve Moresco and the other by Jye Williamson.

The Reserves opened in great shape as well with Wonthaggi holding a one-goal lead at the first change thanks to two goals by Adam Busana and some dour defending by the Power's back six.

The Power didn't have a full bench with Elliott Staley and a couple of others missing and Darcy Brosnan up to the Seniors but with a strong side on the ground all the same.

Maffra's reserves came back to kick the first two of the second quarter and the contest got willing as a fight broke out on the interchange side of the ground before Wonthaggi was the team which settled best and added a goal through Adam Busana after a free to trail by just two points at the long break.

Maffra kicked the first goal of the last quarter to temporarily hit the lead but Mitch Davey evened it up again with one soon after. Will Lenehan and the coach Daniel Hawking could have given them the lead but ultimately Matt Ware put them back in front.

The contest was still fierce but the Power defenders were holding up especially Jack Steinfort across half back and for the last part of the match the play was on the Powers' forward line where big Adam Busana led up strongly to mark and goal after good work by Andrighetto and Cornelis.

Jye Gilmour added the finishing touches to the win with a goal after the siren.

It's all set for a top contest between the Seniors, Maffra at home hosting Wonthaggi Power.