After two disappointing and baffling losses, Orbost Snowy Rovers returned to the winners’ list in style, beating last year’s grand finalist Lucknow at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve in round nine of the East Gippsland Football Netball League by 38 points last Saturday.
It was redemption of sorts for the Blues, who went down to the Magpies in round one at their fortress, Lochiel Park, by 22 points.
The win has propelled Orbost back into the top four, at the expense of arch rival, Lakes Entrance, with both sides best form certainly that of a top four side’s standard, though consistency has been an issue for both in 2026.
Both sides had significant ins after extended periods on the sideline, with Max Welsh returning for his first match of the season for the Blues, with skipper Jesse Glassborow returning after five weeks on the sidelines for the Magpies.
Byron Vickery did the running on the weekend for Orbost, and is nearing a return, possibly after the bye.
The visitors got off to a great start kicking four goals to one in a show of intent in the first term, which would hold them in good stead, with the second half becoming a real slog after the rain set in.
The Magpies were missing the drive through the midfield that injured stars like Matt Corbett and Link McKenna offered.
Kieran Vickery again racked up the possessions for the Blues, with Jamieson Humphreys in the thick of the action and back to his best after an extended period on the sidelines with injury, while Wes Russell and Michael Clancy were lively up forward.
With Ash Smith and Glassborow working hard in the second term to lift their side, the home side rallied in the second term, matching the Blues in most aspects of the contest, with the lead out to 25 points at half time.
The ball became a cake of soap in the second half, with kicking off the ground becoming increasingly popular, with the Blues kicking three goals to one in a tough second half to bank four very valuable points.
Blues co-coach, Brett Morrison was delighted his side are back on the winner list.
“We shut them down and controlled 80 per cent of play in the second half, it was great to stick to the task and get the four points,”
Morrison said.
Gus Rogers, Russell and Clancy kicked two goals each for the Blues, who were well served by Vickery, Sean Nippress, Humphreys, Jordan Ross, Clancy, and Wesley Russell.
Welsh made a contribution on his long-awaited return from a knee injury, his kicking still elite in transition from back to forward.
Smith, Jesse Glassborow, Harvey Abraham, Logan Croucher, Damian Hodder (two goals), and Scott Joustra all battled hard for the Magpies.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will head to AJ Freeman Reserve in Paynesville this week to take on the Gulls.
