It was a tough day at the netball courts for Orbost Snowy Rovers last Saturday, with Lucknow taking all six games in round nine of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
The Blues were needing a big performance to stay in the running for a top four position, but the top of the table Magpies were always going to be tough to crack.
Lucknow gained an early ascendancy and played consistent netball over four quarters, running out easy 21-goal winners over a gallant Blues outfit.
Lucy Quinn, Lauren Treacy and Jorja Savoury all impressed for the Blues, who now sit two games outside of the top four, with plenty of work to do if they are to participate in finals action.
A place in the top four was up for grabs in the “B” grade game, nothing separated the sides at half time before the Magpies surged in the third stanza, opening a handy three-goal advantage, hanging on to win by five goals in a great game.
The loss dropped the Blues to sixth on the ladder, two points off the fourth-placed Magpies.
Brianna Nettleton, Zoe Jenkins and Alex Nicolson led the way for the Blues.
Lucknow was too slick in “C” grade, winning comprehensively by 20 goals, despite the efforts of Rachael Gueco and Claudia Johnson who had good games for the Blues.
Fourth place on the ladder was also up for grabs in “D” grade, which ensured a tight match, nothing separating the sides at half time.
But it was the Magpies who dominated the second half in tough conditions, scoring 11-5.
The loss sees the Blues in sixth spot, two behind the fourth-placed Magpies.
Sue Kendrick, Nic Chapman and Meg Nixon led the way for the Blues.
It was another huge game in the under 17s, the fourth and fifth sides again doing battle, with Lucknow coming out nine goals in front.
The loss sees Orbost now eight points behind, with some big results required in the run home if finals action is to be a reality.
Lucknow was the 25-goal winner in the under 15s with Siohban Duffy, Emily Bryan and Charlotte Snow all playing well for the Blues.
IMAGE: Orbost “A” grade defender, Jorja Savoury, worked hard to keep the ball out of Lucknow’s goal ring last Saturday at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve, however it wasn’t to be, with the Blues going down to the Magpies by 21 goals.
