The Orbost Snowy Rovers reserves remain firmly in the East Gippsland Football League finals equation despite a costly four-match losing streak, which included a hard-fought away loss to Lucknow last Saturday.
The Blues currently sit in sixth position on a congested ladder with 12 points — equal with fourth-placed Stratford and fifth-placed Wy Yung — while the Magpies sit just four points further back in seventh.
Lucknow controlled three of the four quarters last Saturday, laying the foundation for their victory with a dominant four-goal-to-two second term that established a comfortable three-goal cushion at the long break.
Orbost Snowy responded fiercely in the third quarter, slashing the margin to just eight points at the final change.
However, with the game hanging in the balance early in the term, the home side found another gear. Lucknow’s ruthless defence starved the Blues of effective inside-50 entries, allowing the Magpies to power away to a vital 18-point win and keep their own season alive.
Kruze Farley was dangerous up forward for the visitors booting three of the Blues’ five goals. Tye Robinson, Daniel Davis, Jake Kuyper, Andrew Kenny, Thomas Macalister and Luke Borley were named among Orbost Snowy’s best players.
Meanwhile, Lucknow’s under 18 squad showed why it is the big improver of the thirds competition, cementing its second-place ladder position with a sharp opening statement, booting four unanswered goals in the first term.
Refusing to be intimidated by their seventh-place standing, the young Blues produced a fightback, playing some of their best football of the season. Scoreboard momentum swung toward the visitors on multiple occasions as the Magpies let opportunities slip in front of goal.
Trailing by just 16 points at three quarter time, Orbost Snowy primed itself for a final-quarter onslaught in search of its second win of the season. It wasn’t to be, however, as Lucknow saved its best football for the final term, holding the Blues scoreless while kicking away to a 39-point victory.
Jack Barnes kicked two majors for the thirds, while Rusty Morrison, Tye Robinson, Mitch Herbert, Seth Buckland, Jarrah Morrison and Daniel Martin battled relentlessly all afternoon in an encouraging team performance.
Orbost Snowy will travel to AJ Freeman Reserve this Saturday for a crucial road clash against Paynesville.
