Lakes Entrance is the only unbeaten side in the East Gippsland Football Netball Competition thirds competition after overcoming a persistent Lindenow late at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
The match was hotly contested as both sides fought hard to keep their unbeaten records intact.
The Seagulls maximised their opportunities in the first term, slotting four goals straight to open up a handy 10-point advantage at quarter time, which they maintained through to half time as the combatants traded goals in the second term.
Charlie Graham and Oscar Hopkins both kicked four goals each for Lakes Entrance and always looked dangerous when the ball was in their sector.
Lindenow came out with plenty of purpose in the third term, kicking four goals to two, grabbing the lead for the first time for the match, albeit by just two points.
The margin was narrow but at that stage they had the momentum and morale was high at the three quarter time huddle.
Against the grain it was the Seagulls who finished best, claiming first bragging rights in what looks like being a season-long dual for ultimate glory.
Lakes Entrance kept the Cats scoreless in the final term as it kicked two unanswered majors to run out 13-point winners.
Among the better players were Charlie Graham, Thomas Graham, Bill Prior, Baxter Bennett, Harper Davis, Hopkins and Jordan Van Dam who threaded two goals.
In the reserves the Seagulls made most of the running but were overrun by the Cats in the final term.
Lakes Entrance fielded one of its best reserves sides for the year with Matt Duggan, Tim Sinclair, Matt Bolleman, Jesse Gillam and Brett Campisi joined in the side by 2024 Omeo and District Football Netball League premiership winning coach, Josh Piper.
The Seagulls led by 17 points at quarter time and 11 points at half time, but struggled to put Lindenow away as the Cats made it a habit of kicking goals late in the quarters.
With the game up for grabs it was Lindenow who finished best kicking five goals to two in the final 20 minutes to win by seven points.
Piper was outstanding, beginning at half back before playing in the centre in the second half, racking up kicks with ease.
Sowden was unchallenged in the ruck and gave his side first use of the football all day.
Also in the better players were Sinclair, Andrew Rimmer, Kurt Grabham (two goals) and Jesse Gillam.
Noah Bottom was lively up forward kicking three goals while Bolleman kicked two goals in a solid return.
