With plenty to play for, Orbost Snowy Rovers made light work of Paynesville last Saturday at AJ Freeman Reserve in round 12 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
The Blues kicked six unanswered first quarter goals, with Lachie Fenner (six goals) having a day out, operating in tandem with co-captain Hamish Nettleton (four), with regular number two forward, Curtley Nettleton missing.
At 10 goals to one at half time, Orbost held a commanding 58-point lead, with not even the reunion of the 1984 Paynesville senior premiership side enough to spur the struggling Gulls into action.
The Blues kept the foot on the pedal under the urgings of coach, Peter Seal, banking valuable percentage, which could come in handy, winning by 101 points.
Set the tough task of probably needing to win its last six matches to make the finals, Orbost easily ticked off its first challenge, and although the tasks will get harder and the pressure is sure to mount, the confidence gained in a dominant winning performance can never be denied.
Key big man, Wes Russell was a worrying omission for the Blues, who were delighted by the return of important hardmen Tommy Smith and Ash Jonkers.
Smith, Will Walker, co-captain Braeden Ross and Jamieson Humphreys all made valuable contributions in the forward 50 finishing with two goals.
Walker is becoming a more than accomplished ruck option, as is Jordan Ross, giving the Blues the option of playing Russell forward, where he is difficult for most sides to match up with.
Best players for the Blues were Fenner, Walker, Smith, Jonkers, Zach Webb and Gus Rogers.
Former player Webb is a recent addition, having played for Lancefield in the Riddell Football Netball League earlier in the season.
Paynesville was well served by Charles Mein, Lewis Smith, Jordan Farquhar, Jordan Ray, Alex McLaren (two goals) and Oscar Pike.
IMAGE: Orbost Snowy Rovers easily accounted for Paynesville last Saturday at AJ Freeman Reserve, running out by 101 points during round 12 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
