Orbost Snowy’s East Gippsland finals dream is still alive.
The Blues – on the brink of having their season ended – stood up to a potential finals test, defeating current fourth-ranked side Stratford by 17 points at Lochiel Park in round 15 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
The victory was set up by a blistering third quarter, the home side kicking 5.5 to the Swans’ since behind, turning a three-point half time deficit into a match-winning 31-point lead.
At that point Orbost Snowy could’ve been further ahead with a wayward 9.16 on the board, however that inaccuracy didn’t prove a problem despite Stratford winning the final quarter.
Bullocking midfielder Ash Jonkers was outstanding for the Blues, combining with Zac Webb in the clinches, while talls Curtley Nettleton, Will Walker and Cody Robertson played a key role.
Tom Smith returned to the side and added four goals with key man Hamish Nettleton booting three.
Arguably the league’s leading midfielder, Lachie Channing, was the best for the Swans.
He and Ryan Thatcher were the only multiple goalkickers with two, Jarryd Clohesy’s second match back from a neck injury was solid, while Rodney O’Keefe was back to his best.
It wasn’t the perfect outing for the Blues, but enough to show they are finals worthy.
The win sees them trail the fourth-placed Swans by four points with two rounds remaining.
Orbost Snowy faces Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, the former an almost certain victory and the latter a sterner test.
Stratford faces Boisdale Briagolong and Paynesville. All indicators would suggest one win each for both the Blues and Swans.
Orbost Snowy needs to make every post a winner.
