Orbost Snowy Rovers won its seventh match for the season in the East Gippsland Football Netball League reserves season, rising to fifth on the ladder, with a 199-point demolition of Paynesville in round 17 at Lochiel Park.
The winless Gulls, with a paltry percentage of less than five per cent, kicked a goal in the first term, but were no match for the Blues, who kicked 18 goals in the first half and a massive 10 in the second term, as Orbost players lined up to get in the goalkicking action.
Former Albert Park player, Joshua Rennie impressed, kicking six goals, putting up a legitimate case for a senior recall.
Kyle Derbyshire was prominent, kicking five, while Mitch Fenner and coach Andrew Kenny slotted four each, and Hayden Kenny three.
Good players were obviously easy to find, but the coaching panel settled on Hayden Kenny, Derbyshire, Rennie, Andrew Kenny, Jason Eaton and Cody Robertson.
With Paynesville not having a thirds side, the Blues youngsters were afforded a week’s break prior to the commencement of their 2025 finals campaign.
Chasing back-to-back titles, Orbost will do battle with Stratford in a do-or-die elimination final at the Bairnsdale City Oval on Sunday.
With Boisdale Briagolong who failed to make the finals, accounting for Stratford last Saturday, you would expect the young Blues, who have plenty of players who have played senior football this season, would be too classy.
Orbost will be hoping it can build some momentum and gain a similar outcome to last season.
Time will tell, Lakes Entrance and Lindenow loom as hard nuts to crack.
The Blues showed in round 15 what they are capable of, inflicting the Seagulls only defeat for the season, Orbost supporters will be hoping it’s a sign of what’s to come in the next few weeks.
