Ladder leader, Lucknow has made easy work of Orbost Snowy Rovers last
Saturday in their round six East Gippsland Football Netball League clash at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve, running out 10-goal winners.
Both sides went in with key players out of the line ups, but the Magpies have established plenty of depth over the past few seasons, while the Blues struggled to counter the unavailability of Jordan Ross, Wes Russell, Ash Jonkers and Kieran Vickery.
Both half back lines dominated the first term, Andrew Nelson controlling play for the Magpies, while Curtley Nettleton and Sean Nippress were making an early impression for the Blues.
Goalless in the first term, the crafty Magpies found their mojo in the second term, kicking five goals to one, opening up a 26-point half time lead.
Lucknow’s ability to mark the ball both contested and uncontested ensured it controlled play and possession, which hurt the Blues on the scoreboard.
Orbost played its best football in the third term, with Charlie Mein working hard at the goal face and creating plenty of opportunities for team mates, they kicked two goals but were still outscored by the Magpies, who kicked three and missed another couple that coach, Shaun Mooney would have liked to have seen go through the middle.
Down by 35 points at the last change, Blues coach, Peter Seal asked his side for one last effort, but it wasn’t to be, Lucknow dominating the last term, Orbost held goalless.
Lucknow again got goals from alternative sources, which has become a feature of its season, with Brenden Flinn (three) leading the way, while Ash Smith and Glenn Perkins booted two each, Tommy Smith slotted a couple for the Blues.
Perkins has returned to his best in recent weeks and was best on ground, well supported by Reuben O’Brien, consistent star Joel Mcnamara, young gun Jack Saulle, Nelson and skipper Jesse Glassborow.
It was O’Brien’s best game at senior level since returning to the club.
Curtley Nettleton, Nippress, Clancy Bennett, Mein, Jamieson Humphreys and classy left footer Max Welsh made up the best players for the Blues.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will host reigning premier, Boisdale Briagolong on Saturday at Lochiel Park.
The Bombers haven’t been as impressive as some would have thought, it will be interesting to see how the current fourth and fifth ranked teams in the competition match up.
The Blues play their best football at home and have taken the game right up to the Bombers in recent seasons, both at home and at the Cabbage Patch.
A win for Orbost in imperative to stay in touch with the top four, a defeat would see then slip two games and considerable percentage behind the Bombers.
