Lakes Entrance and Orbost Snowy Rovers looked relatively well matched on paper for round 15 of East Gippsland netball played at the Lakeside Oval last Saturday, and it turned out that way, with some close and hard fought matches played.
The Seagulls came out on top on the day, winning four of the seven contests, set up by victory in the three top graded fixtures.
The “A” grade match went right down to the wire, with the the home side holding their nerve late in a thrilling contest of top grade local netball to win, 51-47.
It was the Seagulls’ fourth win for the season, and they sit seventh on ladder, trailing the sixth-ranked Blues by just percentage, indicating the similar trajectories of the sides throughout the season.
Chloe Watson and youngster Skyla White were standouts for the winners, with Orbost getting plenty of drive from highly rated youngster, Jess Griebenow and premiership star, Hayley Boxall.
Lakes Entrance recorded its fourth win of the season in “B” grade in another tough and spirited contest between two arch rivals, with the composure of the home side holding them in great stead up the stretch, as they won a defence dominated clash, 27-21.
Pariss McKendry and Bonnie Rotheram were match winners for the Seagulls, while Tamara Heyne and Zoe Jenkins drove the gallant Orbost challenge.
The closest contest of the day was in “C” grade, where Lakes broke through for its third win of the season, and although still in seventh, they also now just trail the sixth-placed Blues on percentage.
In another hotly contest match, which could have gone either way, the Seagulls made less errors at crucial times, enabling them to be victorious, 27-23 in a game where both defences made the offensive players work hard for every possession.
Charlotte Zagami and Harriet Copeland were influential for the home side, with promising youngster, Keeley Greaves impressing for the Blues.
The easiest victory of the day was in “D” grade where the visitors registered its fifth win of the campaign, combining well as team to salute, 37-15.
Youngster Kayley Robinson and veteran Sue Kendrick led the Orbost charge, with Cass Supple and Christine Anderson serviceable for the Seagulls.
Second-placed Orbost continued its preparation for the 2026 under 17 finals, with a regulation victory over last year’s premiers, 41-28.
Remi Macdonell, Lani Mundy and Emma Chapman were among the better players this week, with Sadie Stevens and Lily Mills good contributors for the Lakes outfit.
It was another great result for the Orbost Snowy Rovers in the under 15s with their second-placed under 15 side easy winners, 29-12.
Billie Young and Jemima Seal were both in outstanding form for the winners, with Ruby Jakins and Taylah Williams battling hard for the Seagulls.
Lakes Entrance struck back in the under 13s, winning 32-18.
They have been the success story of the Seagulls netball program this season, currently sitting fourth and set for a finals campaign.
Milie Stewart and Georgi Witham led the way for the home side, with London Austin, Layla Burn and Ruby Faithful again among the best for the Blues.
Orbost Snowy Rovers are set for a tough day this week, welcoming the strong Lucknow club to Lochiel Park.
