Orbost Snowy Rovers’ thirds missed a golden opportunity to move into the top four, going down to Boisdale Briagolong by just a point in round four of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at the Cabbage Patch last Saturday.
Despite the narrow loss, it was a solid performance from the Blues, who held a one-goal advantage at the final change but were unable to hold off the Bombers, who used the small ground cleverly in the final stanza, kicking two goals to one to secure victory in a contest that arguably deserved a draw.
Both sides gave a strong account of themselves, with tackling pressure and goal kicking features of an even contest that never saw either team drift more than 12 points apart over four tough quarters.
The Martins led the way up forward, with Xavier kicking four goals and the hard-working Daniel three.
Lachlan Robinson, Thomas Joiner, Thomas Macalister, Jack Barnes, Rusty and Jarrah Morrison were all impressive for the visitors, who took confidence into the clash after last week’s win over Paynesville, with only the final result slightly denting their momentum.
The Blues remain in sixth place on the table, four points behind fourth-placed Stratford.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will welcome the Swans to Lochiel Park this week, with the Blues having another chance to enter top
four calculations.
There were extraordinary scenes in the reserves, with the competition’s top and fourth-ranked sides clashing in a weekend where ladder positions were heavily tested.
The margin might have only been a point in the match between second-ranked Lindenow and third-placed Lakes Entrance, but it was a blowout at the Boisdale Recreation Reserve.
The Blues were kept scoreless as the home side piled on 33 goals to win in sensational fashion by 212 points.
The Pratt pairing was unstoppable up forward for the Bombers, with Luke finishing with eight goals and Danny with six.
Beau Hanratty, Thomas Joiner, Jack Sanna, Hayden Mitchell, Dan Kane and Tim Findley all tried hard for the visitors, but they were no match for a Boisdale side which contained players of the calibre of Brandon Rimington, Harry Swarski, Shaquille Coridas, and premiership coach Sam Bedggood.
