An in-form Lakes Entrance has run over the top of a gallant Stratford in the final term of their round seven East Gippsland Football Netball League match at the Lakeside Oval.
The victory marks the fifth-placed Seagulls’ third consecutive win, drawing them level on points with arch-rivals and fourth-placed Orbost Snowy Rovers. The two sides are now set for a blockbuster clash at Lochiel Park on June 13 following this weekend’s league-wide bye.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the ladder and missing coach and key playmaker Nathan Pollard, Stratford took the fight right to the hosts. The sides were deadlocked at quarter time before a three-goal-to-two second term gave Lakes Entrance a narrow five-point buffer at the main break.
The Seagulls were forced to adapt in the second half after veteran Josh Piper was rested due to hamstring soreness.
Lakes coach Darren Martin likened the contest to their round two clash against Orbost Snowy Rovers.
“That day we looked the winner for the first three quarters but didn’t know how to get the job done. It’s great to see our guys learning how to, and wanting to, win,” Martin said.
Another three-goal-to-two term in the third saw the Seagulls extend their lead to nine points at the final break. Martin was delighted with the composure his side showed late in the quarter, shifting the game onto their own terms against a bigger-bodied Stratford lineup to set up a big finish.
Lakes saved their best football for the final term, outscoring the visitors four goals to one to secure an impressive 29-point victory.
“With players of the calibre of James Beha, Josh Wykes, Will Addison, Tom Hudson, Sam Brown, and Tarkyn Nicol out of the side, I loved the way we knuckled down and ran over the top of them in the final quarter,” Martin said.
Dylan Nikolajew moved forward in the final term, while Mitch Banner directed traffic through the midfield. Banner was sensational across the day, accumulating more than 20 possessions in the first half alone to anchor the victory.
Xavier Woodland was the premier forward on the ground with a four-goal haul, while Max and Angus Stevens dominated across half back. They were ably assisted by Angus McKenzie, who played a pivotal role in the second-half surge, and Max Stevens, who repeatedly hit teammates with bullet-like precision.
Among the best for the Swans was Zac Russell, who fought out a great ruck battle against Logan Brown. Hamish MacGregor, Cooper Dixon, the speedy Dylan O’Shanassy, Riley Cottrell, and skipper Harrison Langford — who was steady across half-back all day — also fought hard for the visitors.
Martin praised Swans forward Ben Dekkers, who finished with two goals and provided a strong challenge for Seagull fullback Will Cantrill. Jacob Williams also finished with two majors for the visitors.
Lakes Entrance will now shift its focus to Orbost. Martin expects to have a fully fit list to choose from, which will force some tough decisions at the selection table.
“Players like Charlie Graham, Charlie Gould, Kaleb Day, and Sam East have all come into the team with players out and made some impressive contributions,” Martin said.
While the Seagulls will enjoy the weekend off, all eyes are now on the Blues, with the upcoming four points proving pivotal to either side’s finals aspirations.
