Orbost Snowy Rovers reserves showed plenty of character in bouncing back from last week’s heavy loss to Boisdale Briagolong, defeating Stratford by 79 points in round five action at Lochiel Park.
The victory leaves the Blues a game clear in fourth position on the ladder.
In an entertaining opening quarter, both sides traded goals in a high-standard contest, with seven majors kicked for the term. The home side led by seven points at the first break.
From that point it was all Orbost Snowy Rovers, with the Blues piling on 13 goals to two to run away with an emphatic victory.
Kruze Farley starred in attack with six goals, showcasing the talent and marking ability he is renowned for.
Jason Senna continued his outstanding form this season with five goals, while Beau Hanratty backed up from the thirds to add three majors.
Senna, Farley and Hanratty were among the Blues’ best players alongside Jimmy Derbyshire, Hayden Mitchell and Hugh Barnes.
In the thirds, Stratford held on to win a thrilling contest by a solitary point in one of the matches of the season.
The result maintained the Swans’ place inside the top four, while the loss leaves the Blues in sixth position, eight points adrift and needing strong results in coming weeks to remain in finals contention.
Little separated the two sides throughout the contest, with a draw arguably a fair reflection of the game.
Orbost Snowy Rovers led by six points at quarter time before Stratford edged ahead by five points at half time. The margin was reduced to just one point at the final change.
The final quarter produced the best football of the day, with both sides kicking four goals after only five majors had been scored collectively in the opening three quarters.
Trailing by two points in the dying stages, Hanratty had the chance to steal victory for the Blues, but his shot drifted through for a behind, allowing Stratford to cling on in a gripping finish.
Hanratty, who finished with three goals, was among Orbost Snowy Rovers’ best players alongside Rusty Morrison, Jimmy Hardy, Lachlan Robinson, Jacque Renaut and Damien Mitchell.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will host Lindenow this week in round six action.
