Orbost Snowy Rovers have suffered a disappointing loss to 2025 grand finalist, Lucknow in round one of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at Lochiel Park last Saturday.
After an even first half, which saw the Magpies go in at half time with a seven-point advantage, they gained what would be ultimately be a match-winning break in third term off the back of a five goal to three term.
The Blues had opportunities to draw close enough to seriously threaten in the final term, but were unable to materialise their chances into goals, the Magpies holding steady for a 22-point win under new coach, Steve Henry.
Orbost Snowy Rovers went in without injured trio Byron Vickery (ankle), Max Welsh (knee) and Charlie Mein (knee), who are all currently on the sidelines, but would still fancied their chances given they only lost once at home in 2025.
The Magpies combined well for a new look outfit, which only contained eight players from last year’s crushing grand final to Wy Yung.
Harvey Abraham, Ryan Halford, John Gooch (Buchan), Andrew Nelson, Brendan Flinn (Bruthen), Bayley Croucher, Dion Grace (Lindenow), Joel McNamare, Shaun Mooney (Morwell), Campbell Moresi, James Sanford, Jake Richards (Lindenow), Glenn Perkins, Ruben O’Brien all missing for varying reasons from that side.
Some are expected to return in the coming weeks, while others have moved to other pastures, with time to reflect if turns out to be greener.
Former Wy Yung thirds player, Jayke Andrews, who has played for the last two seasons at Maffra, kicked four goals on debut for the Magpies.
He was joined in the best by Ashley Smith, Stephen Bertino, Logan Croucher, Jesse Glassborow and Brock Smith.
Matt Holmes starred in the ruck for the Blues in his first match for the club, getting good support from Angus Davis, Curtley Nettleton, Kieran Vickery, Sean Nippress and Smith.
