A determined Orbost Snowy Rovers grounded out a gutsy win in tough conditions against Lindenow in round 12 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
In windy conditions, both sides struggled to convert at times, with forwards struggling for contested marks, the ball often holding up in the breeze, making it easy for defenders to spoil.
The Blues kicked three goals to one in the opening term, opening up an 15-point advantage at quarter time, the Cats got win six or seven points several times, but were always at arms length from Orbost who seemed better suited to the scrappy conditions and close nature of the play.
Lindenow’s most productive term of the match was the second, where it booted two goals, matched by Blues, but they missed a couple that were kickable, the half time margin possibly should have been closer than 12 points.
Kieran Vickery and Curtley Nettleton controlled play across half back for the Blues, thwarting numerous Cats forays forward, combining well with Clancy Bennett, who rarely made a mistake.
Will Walker impressed in the ruck as did Charles Mein (two goals) and Max Herbert around the goal face.
It was a similar scenario in the Cats camp, with Lucas Lakay, Joshua Onley, Daniel Reid and Todd Alexander impassable at times for the Cats, but in saying that the Blues did look more likely to score.
Peter Harrison and Patrick Alexander were consistent without being damaging and dynamic.
Lindenow coach, Brett Waddell thought his side was still a chance, trailing by 18 points at three quarter time, but an early goal to the Blues dented any chance of a come-from-behind victory, Orbost home by four goals, keeping their season alive.
In this week’s matches, Lindenow face another tough assignment when it welcomes Boisdale Briagolong, while Orbost Snowy Rovers are also at home to the unbeaten Lucknow, in a must-win game for the Blues if they are to continue their quest to play finals in 2025 .
A loss would see them two games outside the top four, with just four matches remaining, making it a tough ask to sneak into the finals.
