Reigning premier Orbost Snowy Rovers got back on the winners’ list in East Gippsland netball, securing its third win of the season, proving too good for a gallant Lakes Entrance at the Lakeside Oval last Saturday.
In round eight action Hayley Boxall, Jewel Catlin and Jorja Savory were standouts for the Blues during their 44-34 victory.
Despite the win they still sit two games outside the top four, with plenty of work to do if they are to even make finals action.
It was a terrific game in “B” grade with Orbost looking likely to run away with the contest early, leading by four goals at quarter time. But too their credit Lakes stuck to its game plan, applying plenty of defensive pressure and with plenty of quality leads, the Seagulls worked the ball impressively into attack, seizing the lead in the shadows of half time.
They carried on the outstanding pressure and teamwork in the second half, holding off the Blues, who never gave up, by four goals, 25-21.
Kayla Shanahan, Rachael Gueco and Narelle Macalister put their best foot forward for Orbost over all four quarters.
Lakes Entrance was also victorious in “C” grade 34-27, Laura Poole, Nakeetah Rogers and Megan Humphreys trying their best to get the Blues over the line.
It was a great result for the Blues in “D” grade, winning their second match for the season in style, easily accounting for the Seagulls 28-8.
The teams appeared to well matched in the “D” grade, but it wasn’t the case, Orbost’s age and experience proving too good in the contest, Sue Kendrick, Nicole Chapman and Caitlin Schafer leading the Blues charge.
Lakes Entrance continued its unbeaten run in the under 17s, easily accounting for the fourth-ranked Blues, 34-22.
If they can continue that sort of form, Orbost should make the finals. Lara Seal and Jess Griebenow were among the better players for the Blues.
Orbost moved into the top four with a 32-22 win in the under 15 fixture.
The Blues came out strong, setting up a 17-9 lead by half time and not taking their foot of the gas in a more even second half.
Holly Hanratty, Lani Munday and Kira Burn all having impressive matches for the winners.
Lakes Entrance were too good in the in under 13s, running out easy 26-16 victors.
Mila Munday, Layla Burns and London Austin were all solid contributors for the Blues.
Orbost will host Wy Yung this week at Lochiel Park, the Tigers inside the top four in all grades so they present a formidable challenge.
