There was plenty of smiles and excitement at the netball courts for the Orbost Snowy Rovers, with the Blues winning five of their seven matches against Paynesville at AJ Freeman Reserve in round 10 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League (EGFNL) last Saturday.
A mix of youth and experience in the Blues “A” grade side were enough to keep a determined Paynesville at bay in a competitive match.
Hayley Boxall, Makayla Edlington and Lara Seal combined well for Orbost, in a team that is beginning to blossom with the influx of some of the club’s best young junior talent.
It was a much more clear cut result in “B” grade, with the visitors lead increasing the longer the match went, eventually victorious 43-17.
It was a well-earned third victory for the season, driven by the efforts of Zoe Jenkins, Jess Griebenow and Claudia Johnson.
There was plenty of excitement and glee after the “C” grade match, but it was the home side who broke through for their maiden win of the season, 35-31.
It was a match that could have gone either way but up the stretch it was the Gulls who were more steady, throughly deserving their moment of glory.
Chloe Shanahan and Indi Croad impressed for Orbost in a match that got away late, when several times in the contest they looked the victor.
It was a much more positive result in “D” grade, with the Blues powering away for a 33-17 win, with Emma Chapman best on court.
The Blues under 17 side stayed in the running for the prized double chance, with a 51-28 win over the Gulls.
The Blues remain in third position on the ladder, breathing down the neck of second-placed Stratford.
Harriet Freeman, Emma Chapman and Seal were standouts for the visitors, the next generation of Blues stars continuing to put their best foot forward.
In the under 15s, Orbost strengthened its chance of a top two finish, with an easy 38-13, with the unbeaten Lucknow the only side above them on the ladder.
You had to be there early for one of the matches of the day, with the under 13 match in the balance for much of the contest, the Gulls too good late, winners, 30-25, denying the Blues its second success of the season.
Ruby Faithfull and London Austin were again to the fore for the visitors.
With the EGFNL enjoying a week off courtesy of a competition bye, the Blues will get some down time before welcoming one of the power club’s of the competition, Boisdale Briagolong to the Lochiel Park on July 11.
