Orbost Snowy’s “A” grade side has emphatically showed its East Gippsland netball premiership credentials.
The Blues leapfrogged Stratford into fourth place with a dominant 73-48 win over the Swans at Lochiel Park last Saturday during an important round 15 clash.
Orbost Snowy is locked on 36 points alongside Boisdale Briagolong and Stratford with two rounds remaining with percentage likely to play a key role in the final make up of the top four.
The Blues set up last Saturday’s victory with a blistering first quarter, surging to a nine-goal lead before extending it to 13 at the main break.
Despite being behind the eight ball, Stratford had reason to believe it could make a fightback, but those hopes were thwarted quickly as the home side stamped its authority with a 23-goal to seven third quarter, blowing the Swans out of the water.
The visitors fought back in the final quarter, however after trailing by 29 at the last change it was never going to be enough.
Jewel Catlin, Karina Robinson and Hollie Fuhrmann were Orbost Snowy’s best, while Stratford was best served by Paris Toner, Holly Webb and Skyla White.
The Blues remain in touch with the top four in “B” grade following their 10-goal win.
They trailed the Swans by four goals at quarter time, however edged in front by two at the half before slowly extending the lead in the second half to record a comfortable win.
Erin Russell and Brianna Nettleton were the Blues best players.
Orbost Snowy is fifth, two points adrift of fourth-placed Lucknow, who it will play in the final round. A tough test comes this Saturday against third-placed Lakes Entrance.
Orbost Snowy suffered losses in “C” and “D” grade.
“C” grade went down by six goals and will not play finals while “D” grade lost by 10 and will rely on other results to fall its way of it is to extend its season.
While finals are out of the picture for the under 17 girls, the Blues outgunned Stratford to record a five-goal win with Remmi MacDonell and Phoebe Seal the best performers.
The under 15 Blues went down by seven goals.
