There were some competitive matches in East Gippsland netball last Saturday, with exciting wins to Orbost in three of the four senior grades in their matches against arch rival Lakes Entrance.
Lakes threw everything at the Blues in the first half of the “A” grade contest, playing outstandingly defensively in a fast-paced encounter, the Blues holding a handy but not insurmountable four-goal advantage at half time despite the Seagulls leading by as many as eight in the first quarter.
The Seagulls continued to attack in the second half but the Blues were much steadier down the stretch, drawing away to win by 14 goals.
Hollie Paterson, Jorja Savory and Lauren Treacey led the way for the Blues, who sit in fifth place, four points behind fourth-placed Boisdale Briagolong.
The third-rated Lakes Entrance went into the “B” grade match as favourites against a Blues side that needed another win to keep in touch with the top four.
Orbost got off to a flying start, leading by eight goals at half time, Lakes worked its way back into the game in third stanza, despite not making any difference on the scoreboard.
The last quarter was physical and the Seagulls’ best for the match, but despite their efforts, the Blues hung on to win by five goals.
The fifth-placed Orbost are now just two points outside the top four, with Brianna Nettleton, Zoe Jenkins and Alex Nicolson leading the way.
Lakes and Orbost looked evenly matched in “C” grade and that’s how it played out, trading goals for three and half quarters.
In the end it was the Blues who finished strongest to win by six goals, 31-25.
Kayla Shanahan, Sophie Faithful and Jamie-Lee McDonald instrumental in victory for Orbost.
In “D” grade Lakes Entrance was too good winning by 13 goals, with Kortni Stedman, Meg Nixon and Mollie Welsh all trying hard for the Blues.
IMAGE: Orbost “C” grade goal attack, Grace Bills, prepares to shoot against the defence of Lakes Entrance’s Reghan Radford.
