The finals-bound Orbost Snowy Rovers under 17 and 15 netball sides were again the shining lights for the club in round 13 of East Gippsland netball against Lindenow at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve last weekend.
The under 17 contest pitted two of the top four sides against each other in a cracking contest that went right down to the wire.
Under great pressure and composure, the Blues hung on for an exciting 38-36 victory in a match that was up for grabs right to the final siren.
The vital points sees Orbost maintain its hold on second spot and the vital double chance opportunity.
Zoe Kleinitz and Maki Edlington were in great form and outstanding in the visitors victory.
Guaranteed a top two finish in the under 15 competition, Orbost continued its preparation for the finals with a hard-fought victory over the Cats, 31-26.
It certainly wasn’t the girls best performance of the campaign but they continue to find away to get the job done, which will hold them in good stead over the next six weeks.
Leila Barnes, Billie Young and Hayley Russell leading the way for the young Blues.
The Cats have been the big improvers in the second half of the season in the “A” grade, causing a couple of upsets against finals contenders, making their way into the top four and maintaining their position, despite many doubting their validity.
They presented an interesting proposition for the Blues, who are capable of matching it with anyone on their day.
In an outstanding game, the Cats held their nerve, playing with plenty of confidence, holding Orbost late to win, 41-34.
Youngster Lara Seal again impressed alongside experienced players Hayley Boxall and Kirsty Herbert.
In “B” grade, the Lindenow had all the answers in the second half, thwarting any attempt by Blues to chip away at the handy half time buffer.
The Cats got the points, 34-23, with Claudia Johnson, Gemma Geer and Tamara Heyne solid contributors for the Blues.
Lindenow was dynamic and relentless in “C” grade, chasing down loose balls and creating turnovers at will in their 63-18 demolition.
The Cats sit second on the ladder in “D” grade and they showed why, with an easy 34-14 win over the visitors, with veterans Sue Kendrick and Helen Nixon again to the fore for the Blues.
Both sides were looking for their second win of the season in the under 13s and it was the home side that prevailed in comfortable fashion, 35-17.
London Austin, Amira Barnes, Jools Morrison and Ruby Faithfull battled hard as they do every week for Orbost.
The Blues will welcome Wy Yung to Lochiel Park this week for another seven competitive matches of local netball.
