It was a tough day at the netball courts for the Seagulls, with the under 13 and 17 sides the only teams successful against a strong Boisdale Briagolong club during round two of East Gippsland action last Saturday.
The “A” grade match saw both sides start with plenty of intensity early, the contest developing into a competitive battle in the first half before the Bombers asserted their supremacy in the second half to win by 20 goals.
There were some promising passages of play in the second half, a combination of teamwork and good communication, but the Bombers were too good.
Among the best for the Seagulls were Sophie Larkin, Skyla White, Lucy Carroll and Abbey Yates (ANZAC medal).
Boisdale Briagolong was a dominant victor in “B” grade, winning by 30 goals.
The Seagulls fought hard and there were some positive signs, building their connection as a team as the match progressed.
Bec Rotheram and Pariss McKendry were named in the best for Lakes.
The unbeaten Bombers were slick in “C” grade, not giving the Seagulls a look in, running out impressive 51-goal winners.
Lakes’ defence tightened up as the match went on but it was no match for the well-drilled Bomber unit.
Verity Jakins and Danielle Piper were good performers for the Seagulls.
It was a similar result in “D ” grade with the Bombers winning by an amazing 54 goals, the Seagulls having no answer to the unbeaten Boisdale line-up.
Ginger Svetlik and Hayley Robertson led the way for Lakes in a tough assignment.
The under 17s came out firing, leading 6-0 early on the way to a opening up a 12-goal lead by quarter time, with Emily O’Donnell and Tilly Richardson shooting the lights out as the Seagulls made the most of their opportunities.
Continued strong defensive pressure and accurate shooting saw the Seagulls run out winners by 39 goals.
The youngsters are unbeaten after two matches and currently sit on top of the ladder.
Lucy Carroll and Richardson were standout performers in a sensational team effort.
The closest game of the day was the under 15s with the Bombers getting an early break and maintaining a five to six-goal advantage throughout the first three quarters.
To the Seagulls’ credit, they kept working hard, narrowing the effort to just four goals at the final siren.
Lakes was left to ponder what might have been if they had played well in the first stanza, like they had in the final three.
Tulli McLeod and Izzy McAuliffe-Ashworth were among the best for the Seagulls who look close to a win.
The highlight of the day was the under 13s breaking through for its initial win
by 10 goals.
The girls overcame heat and tiredness in the second half to taste victory for the first time.
Lacey Lee, Isobel Mills and Haddi McLeod were the award winners.
The Seagulls will enjoy a bye this week before doing battle with Paynesville at AJ Freeman Reserve in Paynesville on Saturday, May 10.
