On a dirty day for the Orbost Snowy Rovers Football Netball Club the shining light was the reserves, who scored a significant victory, knocking off last year’s grand finalist, Lucknow in round one of the East Gippsland Football Netball League (EGFNL) at Lochiel Park last Saturday.
The Blues played four great quarters of football, using the wind to their advantage when kicking with it, and defending grimly when the Magpies had their turn.
As a result they weren’t outscored in any of the quarters and ran out impressive six goal winners.
The match was never in doubt, the Blues keeping Lucknow scoreless in the opening term as they opened up a handy 15-point advantage, which they maintained in the second term, withstanding the best the visitors could throw at them.
In the premiership term, the home side kicked four goals to one, putting the contest to bed before three quarter time.
Hayden Kenny and Jack Sanna impressed in the forward 50, kicking two goals each, with the better player over four quarters, Brian Leslie, Hugh Barnes, Hayden Mitchell, Luke Borley and Thomas Joiner.
There was disappointment in the thirds, with the Blues, a preliminary finalist in 2025, going down to the Magpies by 27 points in a spirited contest.
The home side dominated the first half, opening up a 27-point lead by half time, off the back of some exceptional play, but the second half was a total contrast.
The Magpies found their mojo, turning around their performance significantly, kicking nine goals to one to run out easy winners in the end.
The Blues still led by 10 points at three quarter time, but that advantage was quickly dwindled away, as the visitors kicked six unanswered goals, moving the ball with poise and precision.
Jack Barnes kicked two goals for Orbost, with the better contributors being Daniel Martin, Joiner, Tye Robinson, Jack Barnes and Caleb Kenny.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will head to Lakes Entrance this week for the local derby against the Seagulls.
