It was a tough day at the netball courts for Lakes Entrance in round one of East Gippsland netball, going down to Lucknow in all six of the seven matches at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
In “A” grade the Seagulls went in with a couple of players unavailable, and their new look side showed some promising signs before succumbing to last year’s runner-up by 27 goals, 50-23.
Poppy Carroll was a standout for Lakes, who worked hard early against a quality opponent, and will look to improve on their team work and ball movement in the coming weeks, which should see it competitive in most matches.
The “B” grade fixture was a tight encounter early as both sides took time to settle, with the Magpies working their way on top as the first quarter closed out.
The Seagull defence were put to the sword by some extremely accurate shooting from Lucknow, but the Lakes girls stuck to the task, eventually going down 44-21, with Makayla Grabham and Poh Ryder-Gemmell both having impressive starts to the season.
A mismatch in “C” grade saw an exceptional Lucknow outfit outclass Lakes, 57-9, the Magpies building on their efforts each stanza as the Seagulls were left powerless and in awe.
Matilda Richardson and Alicia Friend tried hard for Lakes against the odds and the onslaught.
A youthful Lakes Entrance “D” grade side found the going tough against a more experienced Lucknow team but there were some promising signs in the 41-6 defeat.
The defence worked hard and never shirked the issue and will some natural improvement and more familiarisation as a team in the coming weeks, the wins will come.
Haylee McKinnon and Harriet Copeland led the way for Lakes.
With the heat beginning to kick in the under 17 match was the closest of the matches, with Lakes holding a narrow leading margin for most of the match, holding on to win by three goals, salvaging something from a tough opening round at the courts for the Seagulls.
Alyssia Williams and Tayla Mills both starred for the winners.
Lucknow utilised its height advantage in the under 15 match, winning 41-13, the Seagull defence worked hard and created plenty of turnovers, which weren’t taken full advantage of in a match that saw possession change hands regularly.
Sadie Stevens and Sophie Lina were named in the best for the seagulls.
It was a tough start for the under 13 team facing a well drilled Magpie side, who led 11-0 at quarter time, but to their credit the Lakes youngsters stuck to their task, eventually losing 43-6.
The young Seagulls played much better as a team in the second half with some of their intercept work, indicating a bright future and plenty of success in the years to come.
Haddi McLeod and Indie Lina were named among the best.
Lakes Entrance will host Boisdale Briagolong in their next match on April 26.
