Orbost Snowy Rovers reserves belittled their seventh position on ladder on Saturday, taking the game right up to ladder leader, Lucknow, for a half, finally succumbing by four goals at Lochiel Park in the final round of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
After struggling against the breeze in the first quarter, the Blues upped the tempo in the second term, kicking three goals to one, trailing by just three points at half time.
Jack Sanna was busy up forward, kicking two goals as Orbost challenged one of the premiership contenders.
The Magpies asserted its authority on the game in the third term, kicking four unanswered goals.
The Blues were gallant in the final term, breaking even and never giving up, with Jimmy Derbyshire, Will Herbert, Mark McDonald, Tim Findley, Sanna and James Joiner all named in the best players.
The reserves won five matches for the season in a season that had some highs, but experienced plenty of lows.
In the thirds, Orbost rounded out its home and away season with a 84-point demolition of the Magpies, ensuring they head into the finals in good form, with a huge elimination clash programmed for Sunday at the Bairnsdale City Oval against Boisdale Briagolong.
Coach Andy Malcolm had the lads eager to impress and they came out and kicked six goals from 12 shots at goal in the first term, opening up a 42-point advantage as the Magpies struggled to get the ball inside 50.
The final three quarters was a similar story, the Blues adding nine goals to two.
The goals were shared by the creme of the crop, Angus Joiner leading the charge kicking four, while Brayden Fenner and the miraculous Kruze Farley slotted three, Hugh Barnes and Bobby Bills finishing with two each.
Among the best players for the Blues were the consistent Jacob Farley, Rex Macalister, Hugh Barnes, Joel Healey, Fletcher Kleinitz and Billy Joiner.
