Lakes Entrance’s reserves opened their East Gippsland Football Netball League season in emphatic fashion, defeating Wy Yung by 74 points at Bullumwaal Road.
Under coach Ben Rotheram, and bolstered by an influx of depth and key recruits, the Seagulls were largely unchallenged after quarter time.
Goals were hard to come by early, with neither side managing a major in the opening term. Despite kicking into the breeze, Lakes worked hard to edge out to a three-point lead, while Wy Yung failed to capitalise on the conditions.
The Seagulls took control in the second quarter, adding three unanswered goals to put the game firmly in their grasp.
Wy Yung did not register its first goal until the final term.
Although the Tigers showed some resistance late, it was too little, too late, as Lakes finished strongly, piling on seven final-quarter goals to seal a dominant victory.
Perennial reserves goal-kicking star Noah Bottom led the way with five goals, well supported by Charlie Graham and the pacy James Daly, who each added two.
Among the best for Lakes were reborn wingman Ryan Hooper, Brendan Bassett, Bottom, Kaleb Day, Sonny Davy and Daly.
In the thirds, Lakes Entrance began its premiership defence in dramatic fashion, drawing with a returning Wy Yung outfit.
It was a case of missed opportunities for the Seagulls, who finished with 3.20 compared to the Tigers’ 5.8.
Lakes appeared in control at three-quarter-time, leading by 20 points, but Wy Yung made full use of the breeze in the final term, kicking three unanswered goals to snatch a draw.
New coach Finn Sommerville was left to rue his side’s inaccuracy, particularly across the first three quarters where the Seagulls had chances to put the result beyond doubt.
Xavier Pepper, Byron Clarke, Leroy Hayes, Lachlan Ymer, Mason Radley and Thomas Graham were among the best for Lakes.
The intensity is set to lift this week, with Lakes Entrance hosting traditional rival Orbost Snowy Rovers.
