A depleted Orbost Snowy Rovers was mauled by Wy Yung in round 11 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at Bullumwaal Road last Saturday.
The Blues went into the match without Wes Russell, Jordan Ross, Henry Vine, Cody Robertson, Ash Jonkers and Clancy Bennett, not ideal when you’re tackling the side many see as the competition measuring stick.
The Tigers put the Blues to the sword early in the match, dominating the first term with the breeze, leading by 31 points, as the scoreless Blues struggled to get the ball deep into its forward 50.
The Blues had several opportunities to score in the second term, but their radar was off, outscored by Wy Yung by two goals to one, the half time margin 32 points.
Orbost played its best quarter of the match in the third term, Hamish Nettleton getting off the lead, contributing three goals.
The Blues kicked five goals, but were still surpassed by the rampant Tigers, who kicked six of their own, Aaron Hanuera and Harry Kellow leading the way with three goals each.
Wy Yung didn’t take the foot off the pedal in the final term, kicking six goals to one, running out impressive 68-point winners, further enhancing its credentials as premiership favourites in its quest for back-to-back flags.
Mitch Dewar impressed in his second game for the Tigers for the season, kicking two goals in a best on ground performance, well supported by the mercurial Nathan Dennison, skipper Jock Overend, Norm Betts, Kellow and the pacy Mitch Toms.
Max Welsh was again outstanding for Orbost, his kicking in the difficult conditions accurate and racking, joined in the best by recent new edition, Fletcher Morgan, Nettleton, promising young ruckman, Will Walker and defenders Sean Nippress and Angus Davis.
After the loss, Orbost Snowy Rovers remain in fifth place on the ladder, two games ajar of the fourth-ranked Stratford, with six games to play.
The Blues will be hoping that they can regain some key players prior to their next game and string together some important wins in the coming weeks to keep the finals dream alive.
The East Gippsland Football Netball League will enjoy a competition bye this week, with Orbost’s next game on July 13 against Paynesville at AJ Freeman Reserve.
IMAGE: Orbost defender Sean Nippress was named among the best last weekend for his efforts against Wy Yung at Tigerland during round 11 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League. It was a tough match for the Blues, going down to the Tigers by 68 points.
