The strong Stratford netball program was too good for Lakes Entrance in round seven of East Gippsland netball, winning all seven matches despite some encouraging performances from the Seagulls at Lakeside Oval.
In the “A” grade match, the Seagulls were competitive against the reigning premiers, but costly turnovers and a lack of composure cost them dearly.
Stratford, showing its quality as a top side, capitalised on these mistakes to make Lakes Entrance pay on the scoreboard.
The Swans ran home comfortable winners in the end, 62-45, though the home side was not disgraced, with Makayla Grabham and Tayla Mills both putting in impressive performances for the Seagulls.
It was a similar scenario and scoreline (43-27) in “B” grade, where the premiership-contending Stratford outfit proved too steady in the game’s big moments.
There were good signs for the home side, including solid passages of finals-quality netball, but it will need to be sustained if Lakes Entrance is to reach the next level.
Consistent performers Matilda Richardson and Bec Rotheram led the way for the Seagulls.
Stratford delivered a dominant performance in “C” grade, outplaying Lakes 43-14, with Linda Lyon and Harriet Copeland battling hard for the Seagulls.
Lakes Entrance’s hopes of a second win for the season in “D” grade were quickly thwarted by a fast start from a Stratford unit that came ready to play.
Their total court domination resulted in a 33-11 victory, with Alicia Friend and Zoe Zagami working hard for the Seagulls.
Despite their opposing positions on the ladder, the under 17 match proved to be one of the best contests of the day, with the seventh-ranked Seagulls taking the fight right to the second-placed Swans.
Stratford had all the answers down the stretch to win 39-27, but the Lakes Entrance youngsters showed they are a better side than their single victory this season indicates.
If they can maintain that level in the second half of the season, they will certainly accumulate more wins. Grabham and Lily Eiseman were standouts for the Seagulls.
Despite the hardworking efforts of Evie Kerr and Arianna Booth, Stratford was a comfortable winner in the under 15 match, 41-18.
Meanwhile, the day’s most anticipated clash — the under 13s match pitting the third and fourth-placed teams against each other — turned out to be a bit of a mismatch. The Swans emerged convincing 28-11 victors, with Isobel Mills and Isla Behan serving as reliable performers for Lakes Entrance.
After a week off to regroup for the King’s Birthday long weekend, the Seagulls will venture to Orbost on June 13 to take on arch-rivals, the Orbost Snowy Rovers.
