Orbost Snowy Rovers’ quest for an East Gippsland Junior Football Association under 13 premiership came up short at the Bairnsdale City Oval last Sunday, but it certainly didn’t lack effort and passion, as the junior Blues went down to Wy Yung by 12 points in a high-class, nail-biting and entertaining match.
It was always going to be a tough ask for Orbost, who won three less games than the Tigers in the home and away season, but their vibe was great as they ran out in front of a huge crowd at the top of their powers having recorded three impressive wins against Lucknow (twice) and Lakes Entrance, since narrowly going down to Wy Yung in round 12.
With plenty of crowd support, the Blues battled hard against quality opposition, not deterred when the Tigers kicked the first goal of the match in the first two minutes of the game, answering with one of their own shortly after, with Silas Martin goaling after a scrimmage near the goal square after a ball up.
The next 12 minutes was a real arm wrestle, with both defences doing an outstanding job to prevent any major scores, with Orbost going to the first break with a solitary one-point advantage.
Blues coach, Tom Smith praised their effort and teamwork and encouraged them to continue to be brave.
A long goal from Jasper Anderson had the Orbost faithful on their feet early in the second term, as the Blues skipped out to a seven-point lead, and thoughts of upset began to filter around the ground.
But like a good side, the Tigers bounced back, kicking two goals, to establish a five-point advantage at half time.
The third term was tough going for the youngsters for Orbost, as the ball didn’t bounce their way, two more Wy Yung majors, seeing the margin drift out to a dangerous 19 points by three quarter time.
Orbost attacked hard in the final term, but the Tigers held firm in defence, with great pressure, as stoppage numbers began
to mount.
An Angus Seal snap from outside 50 with five minutes play, gave the Blues a shot at pushing for late victory, but despite some promising forays forward, that goal was the last of the match, much to the delight of
Tiger fans.
Among the best players for the brave and gallant Blues were Jemma Martin, Anderson, Seal, Kayden Smith, Hunter Findley
and Martin.
Orbost was defeated, but the young stars of tomorrow certainly didn’t lose any admirers with their effort and intent.
