The junior sides led the way for Lakes Entrance when they hosted Boisdale Briagolong in round 16 of East Gippsland netball at the Lakeside Oval last Saturday.
The under 17 team was successful for the 14th time from 15 matches, playing faultlessly on the way to an incredible 46-6 win.
Lakes Entrance will finish the season on top of the ladder and looms as the side to beat in the 2025 finals series.
Leading the way last Saturday were Lucy Carroll, Alyssa Witham and Tayla Mills.
The match of the day was in the under 15s, where two evenly-matched sides suited up and put on a great show for four furious quarters.
The Bombers came out strong, but not to be denied the Seagulls fought back with their defence remaining stoic, creating plenty of turnovers as they found themselves in front.
The last quarter was epic, with both teams fighting hard in defence, the match finishing in a 21-21 draw – a fitting result after a stellar contest.
Among the best for the Seagulls were Lily Mills, Charli Richardson and Lily Jakins.
The under 13 match was just as intense and almost as close with Lakes Entrance confirming finals participation with a great 18-16 win over a gallant opponent.
The match was played in tough conditions, the ball slippery, but it was the Seagulls who adjusted better, scoring a confidence-boosting win in a tight match, led to victory by Ruby Jakins, Grace Dunbar and Keelie Silver.
In “A” grade the Seagulls’ recent resurgence continued with an impressive effort against a genuine premiership contender, going down 51-43 in one of
their better performances for
the season.
Played at a furious pace, with plenty of physicality, Lakes Entrance took the match right up to the Bombers in the first half and found themselves in front 24-22 at half time.
Despite the Seagulls continuing to fight hard, Boisdale got on a roll in the second half, etching out a workmanlike win against a much-improved foe.
Poppy Carroll, Emma and Abbey Yates led the Seagulls’ resistance.
It was a solid effort in “B” grade from the Seagulls, going down to the unbeaten Boisdale 39-19.
The coaching panel was delighted with the defensive pressure, Lakes showing at times throughout the contest it was more than capable of matching it with its highly-rated opponent.
Bonnie Rotheram, Mikaela Ashworth and Bec Rotheram were solid performers for the Seagulls.
A slow start thwarted any chance the Seagulls had of pushing Boisdale in “C” grade, as the Bombers were emphatic 57-19 winners.
Despite plenty of unforced errors, Lakes Entrance did put together some impressive passages of play, led by Tilly
Richardson, Alicia Friend and
Elly Forrester.
A tough day in “D” grade saw the Seagulls’ wings clipped 69-8 by the unbeaten Bombers, but despite the loss the players didn’t drop their heads and fought hard against the competition measuring stick.
Honourable efforts for the Lakes came from Emily O’Donnell and Emma Daly.
