After the last couple of wet and soggy weeks, the Sunday sun finally came out for the Orbost Snowy Rovers junior’s triple header against Lakes Entrance at the Lakeside Oval last weekend.
The under 11s kicked off East Gippsland Junior Football Association round 10, the Blues pleasing their coaching staff with the effort against a strong and highly skilled Seagulls outfit.
Orbost defended well and worked hard, the ball finding its way into the Blues’ forward line considerably more than it did on the first occasion the two sides clashed.
The increased forward entries resulted in a few shots at goal that translated into a couple of well-earned points scored.
Ruby Faithfull was again amazing, taking it to some of the bigger Lakes Entrance players, winning marking contests and plenty of hard earned clearances.
Joe Millward continues to put in and excel in a magnitude of positions. He reads the play and continually puts himself into situations where he creates opportunities to get the ball.
Will Griebenow, after a couple of weeks off, was super impressive, constantly spoiling opposition marks and taking some great marks when the chance arose.
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The Seagulls made all the early running, booting seven unanswered first term goals.
Coach Tommy Smith gave the young Blues a rev-up at quarter time, letting them know he believed they can play much better, asking them to use the training skills to advantage, no matter how big or strong the opposition look.
It appeared to inspire a resurgence of sorts; the defensive tackling pressure lifted with Sampson Clementine turning the opposition upside down.
Some outstanding passages of play started to take shape and looked really impressive resulting in a second quarter goal to Hayley Russell.
A few more lollies and oranges at the main change for extra energy saw more glimpses of brilliance with a third quarter goal and possible mark of the year contender to Hunter Greaves.
Coach Smith was delighted with the handball movement from the backline and the resolve of his young charges, who never gave up against a quality line up, a last quarter goal to Aiden Fulton-Hughes further reward for the team.
Clementine, Greaves, Jimmy Hardy, Hayley Russell and Charlie Joiner were all named in the best players.
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It was a tough day at the office for the Orbost Snowy Rovers, the Seagulls showing why they are second on the ladder, giving the Orbost youngsters a football lesson.
Lakes Entrance were too tall, too fast and too strong, dominating all positions and the match.
The Blues showed patches of brilliance at times when transitioning the ball out of defence, keeping possession of the ball and picking through the defenders cleverly.
Zane Holley kicked Orbost’s only goal, while the better players were Tye Robinson, Xavier Martin, Jack Barnes, Daniel Martin and Damien Mitchell.
The Orbost Snowy Rovers youngsters will be back on the track this week looking to improve their skills ahead of this week’s home match against Paynesville, which will feature the under 11s and 13s.
IMAGE: Hunter Greaves takes a mark of the year contender during Orbost Snowy’s round 10 East Gippsland Junior Football Association under 13 loss to Lakes Entrance at the Lakeside Oval last Saturday. (PS)
