Lakes Entrance has won its first match of the season, upsetting Boisdale Briagolong in round three of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at Lakeside Oval.
The Seagulls bounced back after a disappointing performance against arch-rival Orbost Snowy Rovers in round two.
The Bombers made the trip east without key players Kade Renooy, Tom Jolly and Kelvin Porter, but arrived in red-hot premiership favourite form, with many tipping them to go unbeaten in 2026.
However, the Darren Martin-coached Seagulls had other ideas, producing a composed performance to get the job done by two points, coming from four goals down at three quarter time in a sterling effort.
Nothing separated the sides through the opening quarter and a half before play was halted for close to 20 minutes following an incident involving Angus Stevens, who unfortunately left the field with concussion. Medical staff attended while an ambulance was called, slowing momentum of the match. To this point the Seagulls were largely in control without dominating the scoreboard.
Once play resumed, Boisdale Briagolong kicked four unanswered goals to open up a 21-point half-time lead.
The third quarter was an arm wrestle, with both sides trading goals. The Bombers edged their lead out to 24 points, but the Seagulls remained competitive and in touch.
What followed was a dominant final term from Lakes Entrance, with the home side lifting strongly to kick six goals to two and storm home to a thrilling two-point victory.
Martin praised the performance, describing it as a reward for effort and a strong response after recent weeks.
“Our tackling pressure was elite. That was what was missing against Wy Yung and Orbost,” Martin said.
Tom Hudson starred up forward with six goals, well supported by Josh Piper and James Beha, who kicked two each.
Josh Wykes was outstanding in the ruck, combining well with Mitch Banner, Sean Smith and Angus McKenzie.
Rugby convert Logan Brown impressed in just his fourth game of Australian football and first senior game, selected to curb Bombers forward Matt Wilkinson. He restricted the big man to one goal.
Small forwards George Ioakim and Elijah Zagami also caught the coach’s eye with their pressure and intensity.
For Boisdale Briagolong, Jackson Glenane, Ben Brunt, Daniel Johnson, Josh Davis, Jim Reeves (four goals) and Will Brunt were among the better players.
Lakes Entrance now turns its attention to an unbeaten Lindenow side this Saturday at Lindenow Recreation Reserve.
