Orbost Snowy Rovers’ reserves and thirds sides both returned from Stratford empty-handed following round 12 East Gippsland Football Netball League action at Boyd Reserve on Saturday.
The Blues reserves entered the clash trailing fourth-placed Stratford by four points on the ladder, desperate for a win to keep their finals hopes alive, but were unable to overcome the home side.
It was a tight, physical contest early, with both teams locked together on the scoreboard at the first break.
However, the Swans made their decisive move in the second quarter, slamming home four unanswered goals to construct a 26-point buffer at half time.
Orbost Snowy responded strongly after the main break to match Stratford, but the damage had already been done, with the Swans claiming a 28-point victory.
Daniel Davis was the sole multiple goalkicker for Orbost. Fletcher Kleinitz, Andrew Kenny, Dan Kane, Dayne Jorgensen, Jake Hartley and Jack Sanna were named among the Blues’ best.
Meanwhile, the Orbost Snowy thirds arrived full of confidence following back-to-back wins, but found a determined Stratford unit fighting to hold onto fourth spot on the ladder.
In a match that mirrored the reserves fixture, a four-goal-to-one surge by the Swans in the second quarter extended their half-time lead to 26 points, eventually stretching to a 33-point margin by the final siren.
The young Blues proved competitive across three quarters, but a costly 20-minute lapse ultimately put the match out of reach.
Tye Robinson, Damien Mitchell, Jack Barnes, Beau Hanratty, Rusty Morrison and Thomas Macalister battled hard all day for the visitors.
Both sides will look to bounce back this weekend when Orbost travels to take on Lindenow at Lindenow Recreation Reserve.
