A win by the Orbost Snowy Rovers under 17 team was the highlight of a tough day at the courts at Lochiel Park last Saturday, when the Blues hosted league powerhouse Lucknow in round 13 action in East Gippsland netball.
In a match played under immense pressure, given the Blues went into clash, holding fourth place over the Magpies by two premiership points, the stakes were high with the finals getting closer to fruition each week.
The match certainly lived up to the hype, with the Blues hanging on to win a close game by a solitary goal, making the finals dream more likely but some work will need to be done.
Jess Griebenow, Lara Seal and Remmi Macdonell were strong down the stretch for
the Rovers.
The other Orbost side to taste success was the “B” grade side, who caused an upset, scoring their third win for the season, 32-27, upsetting the Magpies who are fourth on the ladder and will play finals this season.
Best players for the giant killing Blues were Rachael Gueco, Kayla Shanahan and
Tamara Heyne.
The “A” grade match was much closer than many anticipated, with both sides coming off a disappointing loss last week, the Magpies bouncing back off their first defeat of the season at the hands of Wy Yung, overcoming a persistent Orbost combination by just five goals.
The Blues went down to Lindenow last week in a match they were favoured to win.
Macy Tatnell and Magpies coach, Erica Lynch led the way for side favoured by many to win this year’s premiership, with Jewel Caitlin, Hannah Macalister-Bills and Hayley Boxall leading the way for the Blues, in one of their best performances of the season.
Lucknow was way too good for Orbost in “C” grade, winning by 31 goals, 48-17.
Nakeeta Rogers, Cat Di Cecco and Jess Chambers all battled hard for the Blues, who are still in search of their third elusive win for the season.
The Magpies bounced back from a disappointing loss last week to Wy Yung, easily accounting for the Blues in “D” grade by
22 goals.
Helen Nixon and Nicole Chapman were named in the best for the Blues, while former Orbost player Rylee Pardew was best on court, now playing for Lucknow.
The under 15 clash featured the unbeaten ladder leading Magpies, taking on the fourth-placed Blues, who have worked hard throughout the season, and were keen to try themselves against the best.
In a high quality match, Lucknow was just too steady at the crucial moments, converting clutch goals and creating turnovers when the Blues looked likely to get close enough
to threaten.
The Magpies 37-29 winners from the gallant Blues, with Lani Munday and Holly Hanratty again leading the way.
Lucknow was an easy winner in the under 13 match, 51-23, with Layla Burn, Jools Morrison and Hayley Russell among the best.
The Blues will head to Boisdale this week to take on the Bombers at the Cabbage Patch.
