Orbost moved back into the top four of East Gippsland netball with an emphatic 12-goal victory over key rival, Boisdale Briagolong.
The Blues and Bombers are locked in an intriguing battle for the fourth spot on the ladder, with both on 28 points, a game adrift of the third-ranked Stratford.
If they were to keep their finals aspirations alive, the Bombers clash was a vital must win encounter for the Blues, and that’s exactly what they did, bringing a strong game plan based on pressure and more pressure.
Orbost made the running early, off the back of some vital turnovers, generated by both persistence and pressure, increasing its lead as the match progressed.
The Bombers made several plays to get back in the contest, but the Blues held strong, scoring their biggest and most important win of the season.
Best players for the Blues were the consistent Lauren Treacy, Karina Robinson and Jewel Caitlin.
The unbeaten Bombers hung on to beat the Blues by a solitary goal in a spirited “B” grade fixture.
Boisdale Briagolong held a six-goal advantage at half time, maintaining the led in a high quality third term.
Not to be denied the Blues rallied in the final stanza, scoring 11 goals to six, failing to cause a massive upset by just a goal.
To make matters worse, the Blues now sit a game outside the top four, with plenty of work to do if they are to play finals, knowing their best is competitive with the competition measuring stick.
Among the best for Orbost were Erin Russell and Zoe Jenkins.
After a good start in “C” grade, Orbost was out played in the final three quarters, going down by 11 goals to the Bombers.
Kayla Shanahan and Narelle Macalister both battled hard for the Blues.
The unbeaten Bombers put a dampener on any late finals aspirations for the Blues in “D” grade, running out 19-goal winners.
Elly Forrester, Meg Nixon and Emily Jenkins were named in the best for the Blues, who currently sit in sixth place, 10 points outside the top four.
