There was disappointment for Lakes Entrance in round one of the East Gippsland Junior Football Association, with the Seagulls going down to arch rival Wy Yung in both the under 13 and under 15 matches at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve last Sunday.
The Seagulls and Tigers were the two standout sides across the home-and-away season last year in both age groups, before Wy Yung went on to claim both premierships, defeating Lakes in the under 15 grand final and Lindenow in the under 13 decider.
Wind proved a major factor in both contests, with Wy Yung making the better use of the conditions to secure victory on both occasions.
In the under 13 clash, Lakes struggled early, managing just a solitary point across the opening three quarters before lifting in the final term.
The Seagulls held Wy Yung scoreless for the second time in the match and finished strongly with three last-quarter goals, but the damage had already been done, with the Tigers’ 29-point three-quarter-time lead proving decisive in a nine-point win.
Best for Lakes were John Sowden, who booted two goals in the final term, along with Brodie Darcy, Archer Peel, Max Friend, Jaxon Linn and Michael Sowden.
The under 15 match saw Lakes take early control with the breeze, with Lochie Yates and Jeremy Rotheram prominent in the opening quarter.
Despite strong defensive efforts, the Seagulls were unable to capitalise fully, with Yvan Cabrera kicking the only major as Lakes held a 13-point lead at quarter time.
Wy Yung responded strongly in the second term, kicking three unanswered goals with the breeze to take a 10-point lead into the main break.
The third quarter proved a scrappy arm-wrestle, with both sides struggling to transition the ball effectively in goalless conditions.
From there, Wy Yung extended its advantage early in the final term before running out 24-point winners.
Best for the Seagulls were Yates, Mason Luu, Rotheram, Cohen Kleinitz and Cabrera.
Lakes Entrance will travel to face Paynesville in under 11 and under 13 fixtures at AJ Freeman Reserve on Sunday, while the under 15s have the bye.
