Tight wins to Lakes Entrance in the under 17 and 15 matches highlighted a tough day at the courts for the Seagulls during round 13 of East Gippsland netball at Wy Yung last Saturday.
The Tigers are always tough to beat in all grades, but the Seagulls were delighted to salvage a couple of hard-earned victories.
The under 17s have been the shining light for the club all season, sitting on the top of the ladder having only suffered defeat on one occasion.
Their opponent Wy Yung went in with a similar record, only percentage separating the two outstanding sides in the age level.
Both sides offered up sensational defensive performances in four fast and furious quarters with the intent and ability of neither side questioned by the spectators and respective coaching panels.
The Seagulls held on for a thrilling win in a low scoring match, 26-25, with Matilda Richardson, Makayla Grabham and Emma Daly leading the way.
There was plenty of jubilation at the conclusion of the under 15 match with the Seagulls breaking through for just their second win of the campaign.
In a tight match the Lakes Entrance defence was outstanding, holding up well and creating many turnovers, which the grateful shooters enjoyed converting.
In a tough final term the Seagulls held strong, working together as a team to take the victory 25-24, in a thrilling finale.
Lilly Eiseman and Sophie Lina were standouts for the visitors.
The pressure was on right from the start of the “A” grade match with both teams fighting hard for possession, Lakes causing its fair share of turnovers but the going was tough against a quality opponent who played with relentless intensity.
The Seagulls tried hard but the Tigers had all the answers, 73-28 winners, with Lucy Carroll and Emma Yates the award winners for a Lakes Entrance team which never gave up and fought the match right out to the finish.
The second-placed Tigers ran out easy winners in “B” grade 47-14, but the improving Lakes Entrance outfit did impress the coaching staff with its ability to work the ball down court with use of the channels.
Tayla Mills and Pariss McKendry were again among the better players for the Seagulls.
Wy Yung, who are the ladder leaders, got the jump in the “C” grade match, Lakes reverting to playing catch up from the early stages.
Verity Jakins worked hard in defence and attack, Tilly Richardson shot accurately but the opportunities were few and far between, as the Tigers were dominant victors 59-15.
Award winners for Lakes were Rebecca William and Alicia Friend.
Another flying start from second-ranked Wy Yung in “D” grade saw it churn out a 16-1 first term, the Seagulls struggling to get scoring opportunties as the ruthless Tigers were winners 53-9.
Emily O’Donnell and Harriet Copeland both tried hard for the Seagulls under tough circumstances.
Earlier the under 13 match the ladder-leading Tigers matched up against the third-placed Seagulls in a contest which had potential to be close.
Both sides were hard at it, giving their all in a physical match, the Tigers emerging winners 32-14.
Isobel Mills and Violet Lyon played solid matches for the Lakes Entrance team, who have improved considerably as the season has progressed and will be working hard in the coming weeks, hoping to making a better impression next time they take on a premiership contender.
The Seagulls will host the Lindenow Cats this week at the Lakeside Oval with the some great contests expected with the two teams well matched in a number of the grades.
