There were mixed results for Lakes Entrance in round eight of East Gippsland netball against arch rival Orbost Snowy Rovers at the Lakeside Oval last Saturday, though there were plenty of positives winning four of the seven matches.
Reigning premiers, the Blues are always a formidable foe in “A” grade despite being a little below their best in recent weeks.
But they returned to their best against the Seagulls, getting over the top in a hard fought contest 44-34.
It was a challenging contest which tested the teamwork and resilience of the Lakes Entrance girls, whose defenders applied pressure, forcing plenty of errors and providing key intercepts, but they lacked the consistency of the well-drilled Blues.
Lakes Entrance was particularly impressive in an even second half, where every player contributed to full court pressure.
The Seagulls coaching staff took plenty of positives and several important wins from the contest which will hold them in good stead going forward.
Lucy Carroll and Tilly Richardson were among the better players for
Lakes Entrance.
A great result for the Seagulls in “B”
grade, scoring its second win for the campaign 25-21.
Orbost looked likely to run away with the contest leading by four goals at quarter time, but too their credit the Seagulls stuck to their game plan, applying plenty of defensive pressure and with plenty of quality leads, they worked the ball impressively into attack, seizing the lead in the shadows of half time.
They carried on the outstanding pressure and teamwork in the second half to score a well-deserved victory with Bonnie Rotheram and Tehya Morrison standouts for the Seagulls.
It was another great result for Lakes Entrance in “C” grade, also scoring its second victory of the season, 34-27 winners with Danielle Piper and Elly Forrester
leading the way.
The teams appeared to well matched in “D” grade, but it wasn’t the case, the Blues running out easy winners 28-8.
The Seagulls looked like a new team taking the court and it showed, and Orbost’s experience proved too good. To Lakes’ credit they stuck to the task and there were plenty of positives, including improved defensive pressure as the
contest progressed.
Hayley Robertson and Poppy Richardson among the best for Orbost.
Lakes Entrance continued its unbeaten run in the under 17s, easily accounting for the fourth-ranked Blues, 34-22.
Makayla Graham and Tayla Mills led the way for the Seagulls.
Lakes was chasing its first victory of the season in the under 15s and certainly wasn’t disgraced against a young Blues team that is knocking on the door of the top four.
Orbost came out strong, setting up a 17-9 lead by half time, winning eventually 32-22.
Sisters Haddi and Tulli McLeod impressed in shooting positions in the second half as the Seagulls gained momentum.
A hunger for the contest and aggressive defence saw the youngsters finish the
game strongly.
Sophie Lina and Charlie Richardson were among the better four-quarter performers.
Another great win for Lakes in the under 13s as they continue to put pressure on
the top four.
Off to a great start, courtesy of some outstanding teamwork, the girls ran out easy 26-16.
Intercepting was a feature of play and some fresh legs in the second half saw them ram the advantage home.
Ruby Jakins and Indie Lina were in good touch for the Seagulls.
Lakes Entrance hits the road this
week, heading to Boisdale to battle with the Bombers.