It was a tough day at the netball courts for the Orbost Snowy Rovers ladies, going down to the strong Wy Yung club in all four senior grades in round 11 of the East Gippsland netball.
The Blues were desperate for a win in “A” grade to force their way back into the top four, but the second-ranked Tigers were always going to be tough proposition at home.
Wy Yung was out of the blocks quickly, establishing an early lead which had blown out to five by the end of the first quarter.
The Blues were reverted to playing catch up, while the Tigers continued to play with great confidence which is one of the reasons they are again one of the premiership favourites in 2024.
With the lead 13 by three quarter time, the Blues played their best netball for the match in the final quarter, but the match was well and truly out of reach, eventually succumbing by 12 goals, 50-38.
Orbost currently sits a game behind fourth-placed Boisdale Briagolong with a good finish required to the end of the season if it is to play finals.
It was another tough assignment in “B” grade with the a victory required to put the Blues back in the top four, but the second-ranked Wy Yung wasn’t having that.
After an even first quarter, the Tigers established a four-goal break in the second quarter, before winning comfortably against a brave Orbost by 11 goals.
Despite the loss and currently sitting in sixth place, the Blues are only outside the top four on percentage, with some good opportunities to rack up some wins in the coming weeks.
A poor first quarter cost the Blues dearly in “C” grade, the Tigers out of the blocks quickly, opening up an impressive nine-goal buffer at the first stanza’s conclusion.
Orbost rallied matching Wy Yung for the next three quarters, losing by nine goals, 38-29.
Wy Yung was much too good in “D” grade, winning by 29 goals, 46-17.
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: Blues “A” grade goal defender, Jewel Catlin, passes off the ball during last Saturday’s match against Wy Yung at Tigerland in round 11 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
