Bairnsdale has continued on its winning way in round four of the Gippsland League football, holding off a determined Maffra by 21 points in a match that appeared to be over at half time.
The Redlegs welcomed back prime movers, coach Logan Austin and midfielder Tom Blenheim for the clash, further strengthening a side that has looked good, defeating Drouin and Morwell in recent weeks.
The Redlegs dominated the first half, opening up a five-goal lead by the long break as a large crowd watched on, with a sponsors lunch featuring AFL greats Mark Harvey and Doug Hawkins drawing some extra numbers.
The Eagles hit back in third term kicking six goals to one to give themselves a sniff at victory, however as has become the way of the new Bairnsdale, it rallied strongly late to with three goals to two to win by 21 points in a game that was closer than many expected.
Inaccuracy plagued Maffra in the first half, by 30 points at the main break despite having as many scoring shots as the Redlegs.

IMAGE: Bairnsdale onballer Will Mitchell has had a superb start to the Gippsland League season, the contested ball winner collecting 32 disposals and seven clearances during the Redlegs’ round four victory over Maffra at Bairnsdale City Oval last Saturday.