Orbost Hockey Club was back in action for the second round of the 2025 East Gippsland Hockey Association finals last Saturday at the WORLD precinct in Bairnsdale.
The Green and Gold under 14s side took on Swan Reach in a do-or-die preliminary final and over four tightly fought quarters, the Orbost youngsters produced one of their best performances of the season, mounting a stirring comeback that fell just short, therefore ending their campaign with an agonising single goal defeat (3-2).
With four regular starters unavailable for the match which was played on Swan Reach’s home ground, Orbost was facing a stiff challenge from the outset, but with Kitty Millward’s determined defensive play, Belle Healey displaying great endeavour under pressure, and Lara Kenny putting in an inspirational performance on the wing, the visitors were able to turn away multiple attacks in the opening quarter.
A goal for their opponents did eventually come, but only in very fortunate circumstances for Swan Reach when a crunching Orbost tackle at the near post caused the ball to rear up and squeeze its way past the despairing reach of goalie Jacob Rutherford.
The Green and Gold were certainly able to generate plenty of offence of their own too with Savannah Lindfield impressing with her hard-running through the centre and Asha Farley working tirelessly up front to keep the ball locked in attack.
Jasper Anderson had one powerful shot turned away by the Swan Reach goalkeeper and saw another one pass just wide of the post after a clever dribble, while Lily Crofts was just inches away from getting a goal-bound touch to a precise cross delivered to the far post.
Two goals either side of halftime from Swan Reach, the first a second effort from a corner after Rutherford made a strong initial save and the second via a swift counterattack changed the complexion of the game entirely.
Orbost needed a quick response, and it got one moments after the restart with the type of goal that has been a signature of Anderson’s this season – a tackle and dispossession of his opponent in a dangerous area, followed by a charge in on goal and a firm shot unleashed into the bottom corner of the cage.
Swan Reach kept creating forward opportunities of its own however as it sought to ice the contest, a combination of Rutherford’s big boots and some great last-gasp tackling by Alex Kenny inside his own “D” kept it at bay, together with the chances of a Green and Gold comeback alive.
One such Alex Kenny backline intervention saw him deliver a quick pass to Keira Irvine who then proceeded to make a dynamic burst through the centre before seeking out a teammate in a shooting position.
On the end of her pass was Joe Millward who had worked hard up front thus far with little reward, but with a little over two minutes of game time remaining, his moment arrived, powering the ball emphatically past the goalie to reduce the margin to just one.
As the clock ticked down inexorably to the final siren, Keira Irvine and Jasper Anderson combined for one last drive forward from midfield, with the latter getting away a bouncing shot that was deflected away to safety in dramatic fashion.
Although time ultimately defeated the Orbost comeback, every one of their eleven players was able to walk off the field with their heads held high, their disappointment at missing out on a grand final appearance somewhat dampened with the realisation that they had given it their all and provided a fine example of teamwork and tenacity.
With this defeat Orbost Hockey Club’s 2025 on-field campaign now comes to an end.
Players, coaches, officials and supporters will however be gathering together to recognise all of the season’s key contributors at presentation night, which will be held at the Marlo Angling Club this Friday night starting from 6pm.
