Orbost Snowy Rovers have pulled off an upset of sorts, knocking off reigning premier Wy Yung at Lochiel Park in round 14 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
The Blues got home by two points in a thrilling contest, reaffirming how hard they are to beat on their home deck and ending a five-game winning streak for the Tigers.
It was also the first time the club had beaten Wy Yung across all three football grades on the same day since Orbost and Snowy Rovers merged.
Keen to protect fourth spot on the ladder with arch-rival Lakes Entrance breathing down their neck, Orbost Snowy dug deep in time-on, regaining the lead to maintain a four-point and one-per cent advantage over the fifth-placed Seagulls.
The two sides will clash this Saturday in a massive match at Lakeside Oval; a victory for the Blues would cement their finals spot, while a win for Lakes would keep its season alive going into the final round.
In the regular-season finale, Orbost Snowy Rovers will welcome Lucknow, while Wy Yung hosts Lakes Entrance at Bullumwaal Road. If Lakes wins this weekend and both sides win their respective round 16 matches, percentage will decide the neighbours’ fate.
For now, the advantage lies with the Blues after their outstanding win against a team quietly building to challenge the Boisdale Briagolong juggernaut that has dominated all season.
After an even opening term where both sides had plenty of opportunities as they felt each other out, the Tigers went to the quarter-time huddle with a six-point advantage on a perfect day for football.
The Blues made their move in the second quarter, kicking five goals to one, as Wy Yung missed a couple of chances it would like over again.
Jarrah Nettleton was the star, kicking three of his four goals in that second term as the Blues generated plenty of spread, which resulted in deep entries and allowed their crumbers to go to work.
The home side had plenty of options when moving the ball from half back, refusing to get bogged down along the wings.
Orbost Snowy opted to play Kieren Vickery forward alongside brother Byron, with both kicking goals in a structural move that surprised the Tigers, though inaccuracy robbed both of greater scoreboard reward.
The clearances were shared throughout the day as the clubs settled down for an arm wrestle in the third term, kicking three goals apiece while the Tigers searched for much-needed impetus.
As expected, the Wy Yung charge came. Trailing by 16 points at the final break, the Tigers kicked four goals to two in a thrilling final-quarter contest.
Jett Murphy put the Tigers in front late in the game, only for Braeden Ross — playing his 150th senior game — to reply with the match-winner after pushing forward from the midfield.
Ross was named best on ground, marginally ahead of young gun Bobby Bills, Jarrah Nettleton (four goals), Cody Robertson the pivotal Curtley Nettleton, and the ageless Tom Smith (two goals).
Harry Kellow was outstanding up forward for the Tigers, kicking five goals, and was well supported by Jack Betts, who slotted three.
Wy Yung was best served by Jock Overend, defender Jobe Somerville, Kellow, Ridge Peters, Jai Nicholls and Murphy.
There was plenty of jubilation in the home rooms post-game, with Blues co-coach Brett Morrison delighted with the fight and courage of his team.
“It was an outstanding win. We came back strongly when challenged and never shirked an issue all day,” Morrison said.
“It was a great day for the club, and hopefully we can continue on with the momentum gained from such a significant win.”
With the sides now likely elimination final opponents, Wy Yung coach Brodie Anderson kept his cards close to his chest post-game.
“We left our momentum too late really,” Anderson said.
“We didn’t manage the game as well as we would’ve liked, which is disappointing as that is one of our strengths.
“Credit to them, they played the game and the ground really well, and it’s looking like we will face them again in a couple of weeks’ time.”
Orbost Snowy Rovers’ attention is now firmly on Lakes Entrance.
“We expect a tough contest this week,” Morrison said.
“It always is, and the stakes have never been so high. We are looking forward to it.”
