It was mixed results for Orbost Snowy Rovers in round 15 of East Gippsland netball, when traditional rival, Lakes Entrance visited Lochiel Park.
There was disappointment in “A” grade, with the Seagulls pulling off an upset of sorts, claiming its second successive victory and fourth for the season.
The Seagulls took the court, strong and confident, as both sides traded goals in a torrid first half, the Blues leaders by a solitary goal at
half time.
The game lifted a notch in the third team, as the Seagulls began to get on top, forcing some pivotal turnovers, as they opened up a three-goal advantage at the final change.
With bragging rights on the line, the Seagulls played almost the perfect quarter, combining beautifully as a team, as they ran out impressive 62-53 winners.
Hannah Macalister Bills and Phoebe Seal impressed for Orbost.
It was another great result for Lakes Entrance, victorious by 16 goals, 39-23 in “B” grade, leapfrogging Orbost on ladder to sixth place in
the process.
The Seagulls were all at sea early, as the Blues led 5-0, but as the first quarter worked towards its conclusion the margin began to close up, by half time Lakes had opened up a four-goal advantage.
Playing an aggressive style of netball, the Seagulls went from strength to strength in the second half, the Blues unable to match
the intensity.
Tahlia Easton, Rachael Gueco and Chloe Shanahan all battled hard for Orbost.
It was a close result for the Blues in “C” grade, winning a tight match by four goals.
The combatants were neck and neck for the first three quarters, before the Blues managed to capitalise on some costly Lakes Entrance turnovers down the stretch, scoring a hard earned and well deserved victory.
Meg Nixon and Abigail Thyne were pivotal in the victory for Orbost.
The sides looked relatively well matched in “D” grade but it wasn’t the case, with Orbost running out 31-13 winners, with Caitlin Schafer a standout in the win.
The top of ladder, Seagull under 17s ran out 36-20 winners over the fourth-ranked Blues, who got off to a great start, but the Seagulls gradually increased the intensity as the match progressed, the ball movement in the final term a feature, as they left Orbost in their wake.
Seal and Keeley Greaves both four quarter contributors for the Blues.
The finals contending Blues, were big winners in the under 15s, 51-22, confirming their hold on fourth place on the table.
Orbost gained a fast start, the Seagulls reverting to playing catch up, costly turnovers widening the margin as the match progressed.
Holly Hanratty and Leila Barnes were in great form for Orbost.
Lakes Entrance moved into the top four with an outstanding win in the under 13s, with some of the passages of play from defence to attack, a pleasure to watch.
The Seagulls were victorious 40-24, with Layla Burns and Jools Morrison working hard for Orbost.
The Blues will head to Bairnsdale this week, for an appointment with Wy Yung at Bullumwaal Road.
