Lakes Entrance was outplayed by Lindenow in round four of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at Lindenow Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
The Seagulls came off a strong win over Boisdale Briagolong and were keen to build momentum, but the unbeaten ladder leaders proved too strong, controlling the contest from start to finish. Lakes went in without Sam Brown, Logan Brown, Josh Wykes and Angus Stevens, which added to their challenge.
Lindenow dominated stoppages and centre clearances, with veterans Justin Gould and David Donchi consistently winning first possession and driving the ball forward through slick handball chains. The Cats piled on eight goals to one in the first half, continually breaking through Lakes’ defensive structure.
The Seagulls struggled to win clean possession and, when they did create opportunities, were unable to capitalise, finishing with a wasteful 3.15 — a return that frustrated both coaches and spectators.
The match was physical throughout, with Lindenow’s size and strength proving decisive, although coach Gould will be concerned by a number of 50-metre penalties conceded despite his side’s dominance on the scoreboard.
Lakes worked its way into the contest after half time, reducing the margin slightly by kicking four goals to two across the second half, but still went down by 49 points after trailing by 40 at the main break.
The Cats had a strong spread of goalkickers, led by Logan Dunkley with three, while Peter Harrison, Lachy Carroll, Jake Richards and Ben Rutherford all kicked two each.
Among Lindenow’s best were Joshua Lando, Donchi, Gould, Joshua Onley, Harrison and Robert Maisey, whose run-and-carry was influential throughout the four quarters. Lando was also tasked with playing on Lakes spearhead Tom Hudson, who went goalless despite having seven shots on goal.
For Lakes Entrance, Max Stevens impressed with 10 marks across half-forward, Harry Reed worked hard to limit Donchi’s influence after half time, and James Beha competed strongly in the ruck. William Addison, Kaleb Day and Jordan Cullen were also industrious across the back half.
The Seagulls will host Lucknow this week and are expected to welcome back Dylan Nikolajew and Xavier Woodland, who returns from a hamstring injury.
