The Orbost Snowy Rovers’ quest for a place in the 2025 East Gippsland Football Netball League finals remains alive after they beat a persistent Lakes Entrance in round 15 action at Lochiel Park last Saturday.
Clashes between two arch rivals are usually close, regardless of ladder positions and this was another prime example, although the Blues did get the better of the Seagulls in the second half after an even first 60 minutes, running out 31-point winners.
Orbost still remain in fifth place on the ladder but after the events of the weekend, are now on equal points with fourth-placed Stratford and a game behind third-ranked reigning premier Boisdale Briagolong with two matches to play.
The Bombers will need to win one more match to ensure a shot at a title defence, if they lose both their matches, and Stratford and Orbost Snowy Rovers win both their remaining matches, the Bombers would miss out.
The Blues play Wy Yung (away) and Paynesville (home) in the final two rounds, victory in both would ensure them finals action, given they will receive a significant percent boast in the final round.
Defeat this week to the Tigers would mean they would need Boisdale Briagolong to beat Stratford in the final round to clench a spot, that on the proviso that the Swans can get over Lindenow this week to keep their dream alive.
First quarters have been a problem for Lakes Entrance all season, but it wasn’t the case on Saturday, when they were quick out of blocks, trading goals with the Blues who introduced the thirds competitions leading goal kicker, Angus Joiner for his first senior match and he impressed kicking two goals.
Joiner came into the side to replace proven goal kicker and former captain, Hamish Nettleton.
The Seagulls introduced Finn Somerville after some impressive performances in the reserves, his first senior appearance since 2021.
Orbost held a two-point advantage at quarter time, with both sides making the most of their opportunities to kick four majors.
Sean Smith (five goals) was looking dangerous up forward for the Seagulls, while the Blues were enjoying having Wes Russell (three) back in the line up, doing plenty of heavy lifting.
The intensity lifted in the second term, as the ball worked its way up and down the ground frequently, with both sides having numerous chances to kick majors, only to see it squandered by inaccuracy or quality pressure.
Lakes adding 4.5 to the Blues 3.6, to cease the lead at the long break by three points, getting plenty of drive from Somerville, Caleb O’Donnell and Jesse Gillham, in just his second senior appearance for the season.
Gus Rogers had the ball on a string for the Blues, while Kieran Vickery (three) was enjoying playing with some added freedom, as Max Herbert (two) worked hard to drive the ball forward regularly.
The match was evenly poised at half time, obviously the Blues had more to play for, but the Seagulls looked determined to ruin a late finals bid from their arch nemesis.
With the game on the line it was the Blues who lifted and went to another level, showing they could well be one of the best four sides in the competition this season, powering on six goals to one, leaving the bewildered Seagulls in their wake.
Tom Smith (three) lifted his import as youngster like Joiner, Tye Robinson, Finn Donnellan and Rusty Morrison showed they will be solid senior players for Orbost for years to come.
Trailing by 26 points at the final change, Lakes Entrance rallied strongly in the final term, as both sides again kicked four goals, with the Seagulls left to rue another costly three quarter effort, which has been a common denominator in their form in 2025.
But that might just be a tad hard on Orbost, who certainly did take their game to a complete new level in that 25 minutes of frantic action in the third quarter.
Rogers was outstanding for the Blues, ably supported by Curtley Nettleton, Vickery, Tye Robinson, Joiner and Max Herbert.
Gillam and Somerville led the way for Lakes, assisted by O’Donnell, William Addison, and youngsters Charlie Goold and Elijah Zagami put in their best performances at senior level.
It was great to see Tom Hudson kick three goals for the Seagulls as he returns to form and fitness after a long lay up with a back injury.
All roads will lead to Bullumwaal Road on Saturday, when the Blues try to pull off a big win, that would almost certainly assure them a finals spot.
