It was a clean sweep for the Seagulls at Lochiel Park in Orbost last Saturday, with the reserves and thirds comprehensive victors over Orbost Snowy Rovers in round eight of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
The under 17.5s started the ball rolling for Lakes Entrance, overcoming a slow start to win by 10 goals, maintaining their position in third place on the ladder. Wayward kicking saw the Seagulls leaders by just five points at the first break, but they found their accuracy and mojo in the second term, kicking four unanswered goals to push the lead out to 28 points by half time.
They didn’t relent in the second half, kicking seven goals to two by mixing solid defence with clever inside-50 entries and total dominance at the stoppages.
Leroy Hayes continued his recent form, finishing with three goals, while Byron Clarke and Jake DeDonato finished with two each. DeDonato, Riley Jenkins, Thomas Graham, Harrison Bennett, Leroy Hayes and Jeremy Rotheram were all standout performers for the Seagulls.
Lakes Entrance’ reserves push for premiership success continues to mount with another easy and dominant victory, this time by 104 points. The Seagulls currently sit in second place on the table, four points behind their only nemesis for the season, reigning premier Boisdale Briagolong. With the senior side playing well and plenty of enthusiasm around the club, the reserves are gathering together a talented side, which completely outclassed the Blues.
The Seagulls put the match to bed early with four unanswered majors in the first term, and from there it became a procession. There was no sign of tiring in the second half — which can be an issue in seconds football — with Lakes ramming home 10 goals to one to post its fourth consecutive victory of more than 100 points.
Mick Sowden was in great form in the ruck, giving his teammates first use of the football and combining well with players of varied experience to outstanding effect. He was joined among the better players by Kurt Grabham, Sam East, Tyrone Hayes, Ben Cameron and Charlie Graham, but they had plenty of buddies, with Lakes Entrance winning most playing positions. Up forward coach Ben Rotheram and Tyrone Hayes (four goals each) combined well with regular leading goalkicker Noah Bottom and skipper Jack Reggardo, who kicked three each.
The Seagulls will head to Bairnsdale this Saturday to take on the Wy Yung Tigers at Bullumwaal Road.
