Lakes Entrance had some outstanding results during round 15 of East Gippsland netball, highlighted by a hard-fought victory in “A” grade over Orbost Snowy Rovers at Lochiel Park.
It was the Seagulls’ second successive victory and fourth for the season, and by far the sweetest as they knocked off the reigning premiers on their home court.
Lakes Entrance took to the court strong and confident as both sides traded goals in a torrid first half, the Blues leaders by a solitary goal at half time.
The game lifted a notch in the third team as the Seagulls began to get on top, forcing some pivotal turnovers as they opened up a three-goal advantage at the final change.
With bragging rights on the line, the Seagulls played almost the perfect quarter, combining beautifully as a team as they ran out impressive 62-53 winners.
Hannah Kleeven, Tilly Richardson, Abbey Yates and Lucy Carroll all had outstanding games in great win for the Seagulls.
In another great result for Lakes Entrance it was victorious by 16 goals 39-23 in “B” grade, leapfrogging Orbost on ladder to sixth place in the process.
The Seagulls were all at sea early as the Blues led 5-0, but as the first quarter worked towards its conclusion the margin began to close up and by half time Lakes had opened up a four-goal advantage.
Playing an aggressive style of netball the Seagulls went from strength to strength in the second half, with Makayla Grabham, Tayla Mills and Chelsea Lavery leading the way.
Orbost struck back winning the “C” grade match, which was neck-and-neck for the first three quarters before the Blues managed to capitalise on some costly Lakes Entrance turnovers down the stretch, scoring a hard-earned four-goal win.
Danielle Piper, Samantha Morgan and Bec Williams were among the best for Lakes.
The sides looked relatively well matched in “D” grade but it wasn’t the case with Orbost Snowy running out 31-13 winners.
There were positives for the Seagulls, who did score eight goals in the final term
and never gave up despite a less than impressive scoreline.
Harriet Copeland and Emily O’Donnell led the final quarter resurgence for
Lakes Entrance.
The top of ladder Seagulls under 17s ran out 36-20 winners over the fourth-ranked Blues after getting off to a great start, gradually increasing the intensity as the match progressed, the ball movement in the final term a feature.
Grabham and Tayla Mills were again to
the fore.
The finals contending Blues were big winners in the under 15s, 51-22.
Orbost gained a fast start, the Seagulls playing catch up with costly turnovers widening the margin as the match progressed.
Sophie Lina and Lilly Eiseman impressed for the Seagulls.
Lakes Entrance moved into the top four with an outstanding win in the under 13s, with some of the passages of play from defence to attack a pleasure to watch.
With amazing team work the girls were victorious 40-24 with Isobel Mills and Georgi Witham leading the way.
Lakes Entrance will host Boisdale Briagolong this Saturday at the Lakeside Oval.
