With its back to the wall Orbost has come from behind to score a spirited six-point win over Lindenow in round 14 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
The Blues made the trek to Lindenow, keen to get the victory and hopefully increase its percentage as they try to keep their 2024 finals aspirations alive.
After Saturday’s close six-point victory, Orbost still sit in fifth place, two games ajar of fourth-ranked Stratford, precariously placed with a significantly lower percentage.
With three games remaining, their fate could be decided as soon as this Saturday, when they host the Swans.
The winless Cats were again productive around the clearances, where veterans Dave Donchi, Justin Gould and coach Brett Waddell were pivotal in opening up a 17-point lead at quarter time.
Peter Harrison (seven goals) was back to his best after an inglorious performance the previous week against Lakes Entrance, proving a hard match up for the Orbost Snowy Rovers all day.
The Blues responded in the second term, with Jarrah Nettleton, Gus Rogers and Braeden Ross working into the game, creating opportunities for a well functioning forward line lead by Hamish Nettleton and Bobby Bills (three goals each), who were well complimented by Lachlan and Mitch Fenner, who chipped in with two goals each.
The Cats maintained a four-point advantage at half time, which was reversed by the Blues at three quarter time, with both sides having plenty to play for in the final 30 minutes.
One side was chasing its first victory and the other a finals berth for the second straight season.
Both sides had chances in that tense final term, but it was the Blues who used the ball better, kicking more accurately to get home in a close match, which could have gone either way.
Lindenow has been left to lament another close loss, as it gradually runs off chances to a score a much needed maiden victory.
Youngster Bills was outstanding for Orbost in his second senior game, his class and poise belittling his lack of experience and age.
He was named in the best with Jarrah Nettleton, Rogers, Braeden Ross, Brayden Fenner, and emerging ruckman Will Walker, who is doing an outstanding job filling for Wes Russell.
Harrison again showed what he is capable of when on song, joined on the best player list by veterans, David Donchi and Todd Alexander, the versatile Lucas Lakay, and reliable servants, Kyle Holmes and Patrick Alexander.
