It was another tough day at the courts for the Lakes Entrance netballers during round 10 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at the Boisdale Cabbage Patch.
The Bombers proved why they are a powerhouse club, claiming six of the seven matches, mostly in comfortable fashion.
The clear highlight of the day from a Seagulls’ point of view was the victory of the under 17 team, who locked in their third win of the campaign. It has been a testing season for the reigning premiers after losing most of last year’s side to graduation, but on Saturday the class of 2026 put on a clinic.
Their game focused heavily on defensive pressure and they executed the game plan perfectly, causing numerous turnovers and transitioning fluidly up the court to win in emphatic style, 35-22. Tayah Alsop and Sadie Stevens were both in outstanding form, setting up a major confidence-boosting victory.
The under 13 and under 15 matches were also highly competitive, with the Seagulls given every opportunity to join the winners’ list.
The under 15s took the fight right to the Bombers, who desperately needed the crucial four points to keep their finals hopes alive. When seriously challenged, the home side found the necessary answers, finishing strong to secure a 25-17 victory. Taylah Williams and Mia Hamer battled tirelessly all afternoon for the visitors.
As expected, the under 13s provided the match of the day, as the fourth-ranked Seagulls and fifth-placed Bombers went head-to-head. Nothing separated the sides over four physical quarters, with both teams capitalising on errors and turnovers.
While the momentum repeatedly swung back and forth, the crucial final-quarter breaks fell the way of the Bombers, who edged out a 28-24 victory in a great advertisement for junior netball. Millie Stewart and Georgi Witham were instrumental in a Seagull push that fell just short.
Despite the loss, Lakes Entrance remains in fourth spot, four points clear of Boisdale and Paynesville, though the Seagulls missed an early opportunity to mathematically secure a finals berth.
The senior matches were always going to be a steep hill to climb, with the Bombers holding top-four positions across all senior grades.
In “A” grade, the classy Bombers showcased their enormous belief and confidence late in quarters. Just when it looked like the Seagulls were holding tough, the home side managed to surge and apply maximum pressure, drawing away for an impressive 61-28 win. Tayla Mills, Tommi and Poppy Carroll worked hard against quality opposition.
Seagulls shooters were starved of opportunities in the remaining three grades, as the Bombers continually forced turnovers and made transition from the back third almost impossible.
Boisdale ran out comfortable winners in “B” grade, 39-15, with Bec Rotheram and Tessa York putting in a tradesman-like shift for the visitors.
The home side’s enviable depth was fully evident in the lower grades. The Bombers’ “C” grade team was victorious 43-12, though Renee Shine and Charlotte Zagami never gave up fighting for the Seagulls. In “D” grade, the Bombers’ unbeaten run rolled on with a clinical 62-7 victory, with Haylee McKinnon and Stevens featured among the club awards for Lakes.
After a week off for the league-wide competition bye, the Seagulls will return to action on Saturday, July 11, when they host Lindenow at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve.
