Orbost Snowy Rovers has scored its best win of the season, knocking off Lindenow at Lochiel Park in round six of the East Gippsland Football Netball League last Saturday.
The Cats were ladder leaders before dropping matches to Boisdale Briagolong and Orbost Snowy Rovers in consecutive weeks.
The significant victory at their home grown fortress has propelled Orbost to second on the ladder, four points behind the Bombers, on equal points with the Cats and Wy Yung.
After an even first half, the Cats led at the long break by two points, getting plenty clearances through the middle of the ground from veteran duo, Justin Gould and David Donchi.
But in the second half, the game transformed, with the momentum with the home side, kicking 11 goals to four, winning in impressive fashion by 46 points.
The Cats played some of that time without Jake Richards, who was sent off for umpire abuse and will sit this week out suspended.
They also lost Cameron McPhan to a potential season ending shoulder injury.
It’s the second consecutive week the Blues have hunted their prey before grounding them into submission in the second half.
Noah Christy, in for the week with Maffra having the bye, kicked four goals in an impressive debut, playing in a forward/midfield role.
With Christy in the line up, co-captain Gus Rogers spent more time forward, kicking three goals, while Angus Joiner, Tommy Smith, Jarrah Nettleton and Kieran Vickery all bobbed up with two each.
The Cats firepower was on display, with Peter Harrison and Logan Dunkley kicking four goals each, though two of Harrison’s did come in the final quarter when the match was well and truly over.
Jack Herbert was again outstanding for the winners as an attacking force and nullifying the dangerous David Donchi in the second half, unfortunately work commitments will likely see him miss the remainder of the season.
Curtley Nettleton was again in sensational form, taking numerous intercept marks, combining well with the creative Vickery.
Youngster Bobby Bills continues to grow and prosper as a midfield, Christy was sensational, despite looking like he was cruising around with a gear to spare.
Co-coach, Clancy Bennett controlled play in the back half, like a good general should, finding time to link up the forward and midfield with his precision passes.
For the Cats, David Donchi and Gould were good through the midfield, and they got solid contributions from Harrison, Joshua Onley and Sam Confait.
Another huge game for Orbost Snowy Rovers this week, taking on reigning premier, Wy Yung at Bullumwaal Road, a contest that excites co-coach Brett Morrison..
“Momentum is a great thing in football, we will go there with plenty, I believe we have’t tasted victory there since the early 2000’s, hopefully we can change that,” Morrison said.
Jamieson Humphries and Zac Webb are likely inclusions this week for the Blues.
