It was a tough day at the courts for the Orbost Snowy Rovers netballers in round 11 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League against Stratford, but the under 17s did manage to score an impressive victory at Lochiel Park, the highlight of the day.
Needing a victory to stay in touch with the top four, the fifth-placed Blues took the match right up to Swans from the first whistle.
Emerging after four tough and exciting quarters, winners 40-33.
Orbost remain outside the top four by just two points after what might just be a season defining victory.
Makayla Edlington, Lara Seal and Remmi MacDonell all had outstanding matches for the victorious Blues.
Stratford didn’t get it all its own way against the reigning premier, with the Blues in “A” grade battling valiantly against quality opposition.
The Swans were too steady down the stretch, winners 53-40, with standout efforts from Coco Henry and Tori Patterson.
Orbost sit in fifth place, now three matches outside the top four, so disappointingly they will not get a chance to defend their title in this year’s finals series.
Jorja Savory was again outstanding for the Blues, but even her efforts couldn’t get her side home.
The Swans were dominant winners in “B” grade, 53-33, asserting their authority in the second half.
Ashley Wade, Chloe Shanahan and Jess Griebenow were among the best for the Blues.
Stratford was on its game in “C” grade, brutal in defence, forcing numerous turnovers and shooting at an exceptional rate in their 54-12 win.
MacDonell, Sarah Kidd and Jess Chambers all tried hard for Orbost.
It was a similar result in “D” grade, with the fifth-rated Blues outclassed by the fourth-rated Swans, leaving Orbost three games outside and finals participation forlorn.
Stratford was victorious 40-14, with Megan Sage and Nicole Chapman honourable mentions for the Blues.
The Orbost under 15s dropped out of the
top four, finding the Swans, who have been only beaten once for the season, too consistent and slick.
Stratford was a comfortable winner 42-21, with Leila Barnes, Lani Mundy and Holly Hanratty battling hard for the Blues, who have some work to do in the coming weeks if they are to see finals action in 2025.
It was a solid performance from Orbost in the under 13 fixture, battling hard before succumbing in the second half to Stratford, 30-18.
Hayley Russell, Jools Morrison and Ruby Faithfull all had good games for Orbost.
The Blues will enjoy a week off courtesy of the competition bye, before beginning preparation for their next match on July 19, when they take on the Cats at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve.
