It was a tough day at the netball courts at Lochiel Park for the Orbost Snowy Rovers, going down in all seven matches to Lucknow.
It wasn’t all bad news with the Blues’ effort in “A” grade enough to maintain their place in the top four, ensuring they will see finals action this week.
It was a tough ask, with a finals spot on the line for Orbost to battle with the imposing Lucknow, who have taken all before them in 2024, only losing once.
The Blues gave a good account of themselves, taking the game right up to the Magpies in patches, Lucknow was just steadier under pressure, making less mistakes.
The Magpies got home by nine goals, but the Blues took plenty of solace from the fact they were competitive against the best, and if they maintain that intensity they are more than capable of an elimination final victory over Boisdale Briagolong.
Jewel Catlin, Hollie Patterson and Lauren Treacy all head into the finals in good knick for Orbost.
In “B” grade, Orbost took the game right up to the fourth-ranked Lucknow, who was keen to tune up its game prior to the finals commencing.
The Magpies looked set for an easy win, leading by five goals at half time, but the Blues weren’t done, playing inspired netball in the third term.
Drawing within a goal at three quarter time, it was game on, but the Magpies were too steady down the stretch, hanging onto to win by five goals.
Orbost won six matches for the season, finishing sixth place on the ladder.
Among the best were Erin Russell and Kate Pearce, both standouts for the Blues.
Second-placed Lucknow was too solid for the Blues in “C” grade, winning by 19 goals in the easiest win of the day.
The Blues were competitive for most of the season, winning five matches and finishing in sixth position on the ladder.
In “D” grade, Orbost matched Lucknow in the first and fourth quarters, with turnovers proving costly in the middle two quarters, the consistent Magpies capitalising and winning a low scoring match by 10 goals.
It was another solid season for the Blues, winning five games and finishing sixth on the ladder.
Nic Chapman, Sue Kendrick and Elly Forrester were good contributors on Saturday.
Orbost finished the under 17 season with a strong performance against the highly rated Lucknow.
The Magpies led by four goals at quarter time, extending the lead slightly in the second and third quarters, before Orbost took the game right up to Lucknow in the final term.
Although the Blues lifted the tempo and alleviated scoring pressure, trading goals in the final term, the Magpies still managed to a maintain a seven-goal advantage to the finish.
Orbost finished the season in fifth place with six wins.
Makalya Edlington, Lara and Phoebe Seal led the way for the Blues against the Magpies.
It was another impressive effort from the Blues in the under 15s, going down by just six goals in a match that was closer than the scores indicated.
The Magpies led by two goals in fast opening, extending the lead slightly at each change, Orbost impressing the coaching staff and spectators with their commitment and level of improvement as the season has progressed.
The youngsters won five matches and drew another, finishing the season in sixth spot.
Best players against the Magpies were Holly Hanratty, Lani Mundy and Leila Barnes.
