It was a disappointing day at the netball courts for Lakes Entrance in round eight of the East Gippsland Football Netball League, coming away with just one victory from their road trip to Lochiel Park.
As expected, the afternoon produced several close, spirited contests between well-matched sides, but the host Orbost Snowy Rovers ultimately held the upper hand in almost every grade.
The Seagulls’ lone success came in the under 13 match, where they cemented their spot in the top four with a superb 45-14 victory. Lakes Entrance controlled the match from the opening whistle with quality passing and clinical shooting, led by standout performances from Georgi Witham and Billie Hayllar.
In “A” grade, both sides were desperate for their third win of the season to claim sixth spot on the ladder. Momentum fluctuated in a high-quality encounter, but the Blues capitalised on critical mistakes in the clutch moments to secure a thrilling 55-52 win. Skyla White and Lucy Carroll led the way for a gallant Lakes Entrance side.
The Seagulls would have fancied their chances in “B” grade against a Blues lineup with only one prior win, but the home side found all the answers down the final stretch to hold firm for a 27-19 victory. Bonnie Rotheram and Tessa York were named among the best for Lakes.
“C” grade was another tight arm-wrestle that fell the way of the hosts, 25-22. Charlotte Zagami, Renee Shine and Danielle Piper battled hard for the disappointed visitors.
Defensive pressure dominated the “D” grade fixture, with neither side able to find fluency in attack. However, late composure under pressure allowed the Blues to escape with a narrow 20-16 win, despite solid four-quarter performances from Lakes’ Christine Anderson and Emma Daly.
In the junior grades, the top-four-placed Orbost sides recorded comfortable victories. The under 17 Blues won 46-23, with Makayla Grabham and Lilly Mills serviceable for Lakes, while the under 15s went the way of Orbost 34-14, despite good patches from Cobie Gilbert and Taylah Williams.
Lakes Entrance faces another tough assignment this week when they travel to Bullumwaal Road to tackle the strong Wy Yung Tigers.
