Lakes Entrance has knocked off Lindenow by one point in a high-quality reserves match with a Ben Rotheram behind after the siren sealing the
deal at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve in round four East Gippsland Football Netball League action.
The Seagulls got home by a solitary point in a come-from-behind victory over the previously unbeaten Cats.
With both clubs’ senior sides performing well this season, their respective reserves teams looked strong and ready for the contest.
The Cats had more scoring shots in every quarter, with their inaccuracy (7.15) ultimately proving costly. Lakes Entrance maximised its opportunities in the first half, kicking five goals from six scoring shots to open up a handy 12-point lead by the main break.
But the busy Cats broke the game open in the third term, led by the experienced Vaughan Evans and Brian Collier, kicking five goals to one to establish a 13-point advantage at the final break, with momentum in a tight, low-scoring contest firmly
on their side.
The Seagulls rallied in the final term and found a way, kicking three unanswered majors while Lindenow squandered its opportunities.
Lakes got up late in the final term, with Brendan Bassett, Tully Davis, Michael Sowden, Jaxson Mazzitelli and James Van Oosterom among the better players.
Goals were shared between Ben Rotheram, Finn Somerville, Reginald Saunders and Noah Bottom, who all kicked two each, with Bassett
again proving reliable in front of goal.
Ladder leader Lindenow maintained its unbeaten record in the thirds, winning the grand final replay
by three goals.
The Seagulls currently sit third on the ladder, six points behind the unbeaten Cats and Lucknow.
Lindenow jumped out of the blocks, kicking four
goals to one in a spirited opening term to establish a four-goal buffer.
The middle two quarters were an arm wrestle, with Lakes showing it has the ability and talent to match the Cats. However, it was unable to make significant inroads on the scoreboard, with the margin only dropping below 20 points late in the contest.
Among the best for the Seagulls were last season’s grand final hero Harrison Bennett, Jeremy Rotheram, Lachlan Ymer, Thomas Graham, Leroy Hayes and Thomas Robertson, who booted two goals.
The Seagulls sit third on the ladder behind Boisdale Briagolong and Lindenow.
