Orbost Snowy Rovers have suffered a debilitating loss in round eight of the East Gippsland Football Netball to arch rival, Lakes Entrance at the Lakeside Oval.
It was Lakes Entrance’s most important win under coach Darren Martin, and the Seagulls’ mastermind wasn’t even there, the Seagulls causing an upset, defeating the Blues by 12 points despite Martin suffering a medical emergency prior to the match and unable to take his post on the sideline.
Whether or not that provided the team some spark is anyone’s guess, however what couldn’t be questioned was Lakes’ unwavering endeavour which was evident from the opening seconds with the Seagulls kicking the first two goals within the space of three minutes.
The Blues working hard late in the term to narrow the margin to just one point at quarter time.
After the Blues looked to have gained the ascendency with a four-goal second quarter burst approaching time on, the Seagulls of earlier in the season may have given up the fight, but not this time.
The visitors led by 11 points at the main break however by 17 minutes into the third quarter, the Seagulls had regained the lead and would go into the final term with a slender two-point advantage.
That margin could have been wider – the Seagulls kicked 4.7 to the Blues’ three straight goals in the premiership quarter, pointing to a solid shift in momentum.
While for much of the season there has been a difference in class typically favouring the Seagulls’ opponents, by midway through the third quarter the Seagulls were more desperate to win the ball and when they won it they used it cleaner than Orbost Snowy.
Lakes moved the ball rather swiftly while the Blues were guilty of over possessing.
The home side held off any late fight back from the Blues, kicking three goals to one in the final quarter.
It was as much a win for endeavour as it was experience with Lakes’ wise heads leading the charge.
In and under ball magnet Sam Brown took the midfield unit on his back, with Liam Carroll, young George Ioakim and Angus McKenzie following suit in the clinches.
The on all brigade was given first use for the majority of the match from Sam Nickless on return from concussion.
Nickless’ tap work was superb and his ability to create attacking problems for the Blues was vital when dropping into the hole.
At the other end, Josh Piper showed he’s lost little of his touch.
Playing his first senior match of the season after leading Omeo Benambra to last year’s Omeo and District premiership, Piper formed a dynamic experienced duo with assistant coach Ben Rotheram, deep in attack,
Piper finishing with five goals, including two vital majors in the final quarter, while Rotheram bagged two.
Down back it was the consistent Sabastian Etheridge taking all before him, intercepting and generating plenty of rebound alongside the likes of Mitch Banner, Will Addison and Liam Allen.
Jamieson Humphreys was Orbost Snowy’s best, competing hard at the goal face, booting two goals, Hamish Nettleton was held to two majors while the reliable Braeden Ross also chipped in with a couple.
Running defenders Kieran Vickery and Max Welsh had plenty of the ball and were able to create attacking movement when allowed time and space, Vickery getting forward for a first quarter goal and Welsh also hitting the scoreboard.
Chris Downward, hard-nosed Charles Mein and classy ball user Clancy Bennett were also were solid performers for Orbost.
Despite the loss, the Blues still sit in fifth, eight points and considerable percentage behind reigning premier Boisdale Briagolong, who’s quest for back-to-back premierships hit another snag last weekend when it went down narrowly to the unbeaten Lucknow at the Cabbage Patch.
Mathematically nothing has changed for Orbost since last week, but now its obvious its major hindrance to a possible finals berth is form or its distinct lack of it at present.
The Blues will face another huge task this week when they welcome the in-form Wy Yung to Lochiel Park with a win a non negotiable if the Blues are to get back in the finals window.
