Orbost Snowy Rovers’ recent run of good form ended abruptly last Saturday when it was outclassed by reigning premier Wy Yung in round seven of East Gippsland Football Netball League action at Bullumwaal Road.
The Tigers’ push for back-to-back flags is gaining momentum, with a comprehensive 71-point thrashing of the Blues.
It was the Tigers’ best performance of the season, and with still plenty of quality players to return to the line-up in the coming weeks, they are building towards their best, with the second half of the season having always been their goal.
It was an inglorious effort from the Blues, similar to their dismal first round loss to Lucknow at home.
Orbost Snowy Rovers also have an array of quality players to come back, but the manner in which they were treated by the Tigers on the open expanses at Wy Yung will be a concern for the coaching staff going forward.
It was Wy Yung’s fourth consecutive victory, this time against an opponent who went into the clash full of confidence, having eclipsed another possible contender, Lindenow, easily seven days earlier.
It was a lackluster performance from the Blues, whose dismal record at Bullumwaal Road continues, with the hoodoo now nearing 20 years without a victory.
The Tigers made an early statement, kicking four goals to one in the opening term, with the 22-point lead flattering the Blues who were struggling to get their hands on the football.
Things didn’t get any easier in the second term, with the home side using their speed and exquisite kicking skills to great effect, lengthening the advantage to 43 points at half time.
Wy Yung wasn’t as sharp in the second half, taking the foot off the gas, but they were still too slick and fit for the Blues, dominating across half back and through the middle, with the inside 50 count for the day double that of their opponent.
Brad Daniel finished with four goals for the winners, while Nathan Dennison, Bayden Ashwood and Harry Kellow slotted two each.
At the other end, Blues veteran, Tommy Smith played a lone hand for his side, finishing with four.
For the second consecutive week, hard running winger, Jovi Kellow was best afield, with Tim Daniel, Jai Nicholls, Jake Anderson, Bradley Daniel, and Mitchell Toms not far behind.
Tim Daniel worked hard at centre half forward, with brother Brad playing closer to goal.
Jake Anderson played as a high half forward, Toms easily won his wing, with Nicholls impressing both as a forward and defender.
Curtley Nettleton was again to the fore in defence for the Blues with his ability to read the play and intercept marks clearly evident.
Lachlan Osborn toiled manfully in the ruck, while Jackson de Prinse played his best game since joining from Melbourne club, Norwood.
Zach Webb, Max Herbert and Thomas Smith all battled hard in a tough day for the Blues.
The win has seen the Tigers move to third on the ladder, four points ahead of Orbost, who drop from second to fourth.
The competition will go into hiatus this week for the King’s Birthday long weekend bye.
The Blues will host arch rival, fifth-placed Lakes Entrance at Lochiel Park, with a vital four points up for grabs on June 13.
