Orbost looked to have secured a finals berth in the East Gippsland netball with a 16-goal win over Lakes Entrance in round 16 action at Lakeside Oval.
The Blues currently sit in fourth position, four points and considerable percentage ahead of Stratford, who need to score a huge win over Paynesville to have any chance of sneaking in, but with a current gap of more than 20 per cent, even that looks unlikely.
Lakes started strong against the Blues, very little separating the sides for the first half, before costly errors in the third quarter term saw Orbost gain control.
With poor passing and missed goals from the Seagulls, the Blues took full advantage and held a handy nine-goal advantage at three quarter time.
Tired legs and fatigue set in for both teams in the final term, with the ball going back and forward, Orbost Snowy holding firm, extending the gap to 16.
Best players for Blues were Karina Robinson, Courtney Wade and Hollie Fuhrmann.
The closest match of the day was a bruising “B” grade encounter which saw both
teams share the lead in a frantic final quarter where tempers flared, the Seagulls claiming victory in a thriller by one goal, ending the Blues’ finals hopes and giving the Seagulls a slim chance of claiming a finals double chance if it can overcome Wy Yung in the final round this Saturday.
The Blues were gallant in defeat, coming back from a deficit as big as five in the third term to nearly pull of the biggest win of the year, with Brianna Nettleton and Zoe Jenkins both among the best.
It was another good game in “C” grade, with the Seagulls claiming their fourth win of the season with a hard-earned two-goal victory.
The Seagulls got off to a great start, getting the lead to six goals before they lost their composure.
The Blues managed to regain some control, wrestling their way back into the match, before the Seagulls rallied, spurring home by two goals.
Sophie Faithfull, Phoebe Seal and Jess
Griebenow were all among the best for the Blues.
Lakes was too strong in “D” grade, winning comfortably by 11 goals, with both sides fighting right to the finish.
Best players for the Blues were Meg Nixon, Caitlin Schafer and Mollie Welsh.
