Lakes Entrance conceded Lindenow a start in their crucial round 11 East Gippsland Football Netball League fixture, pegged them back but were unable to capitalise on numerous opportunities to claim victory.
The Cats kicked four quick-fire goals inside the opening seven minutes followed an eerily similar narrative to the previous round, where the Seagulls gave up an eight-goal opening term to premiership favourites Boisdale Briagolong before matching them for the remainder of the contest.
On Saturday, Lindenow’s initial burst blew the game open early, before Lakes fought back with successive majors through Xavier Woodland and a long Josh Piper set shot, the visitors piled on three more late goals to finish the first quarter with seven majors and a handy 27-point buffer.
From that point on, the Cats managed just four more goals for the entire match.
However, the Seagulls were plagued by poor conversion, failing to capitalise despite finishing the day with nine more scoring shots than their opponents — including 10 more after the first break.
They led all the important indicators at the game’s end, except the one that counts the scoreboard.
Lindenow’s early dominance was engineered by midfielders Justin Gould and David Donchi while Zac Stewart, Cameron McPhan, Peter Harrison, and Jake Richards all capitalised on the scoreboard.
McPhan was the main driver in many attacking chains in a dominant first quarter effort.
Under heavy pressure, the Seagulls initially looked stagnant and flailing, but they managed to steady the ship to ensure the remainder of the opening term was an even contest.
The second and third quarters belonged entirely to Lakes, though the home side consistently left the door open with wayward kicking.
The Seagulls managed to close the margin to 15 points at half-time after restricting the Cats to a single major.
That lone Lindenow response came via a clever piece of forward craft from Harrison, who smartly nudged his opponent under the leather before goaling on the run, triggering a passionate celebration directed toward the Lakes Entrance clubrooms balcony.
Lakes dominated general play but registered a wasteful 2.6 for the term, frequently rushing gettable opportunities.
The momentum stayed with the home side during a dour third quarter, with Lakes booting 2.2 while restricting the Cats to a solitary behind.
The defensive effort cut the deficit to two points at the final change, but the Seagulls ultimately could convert chances again in the final term under the constant pressure of the Cats, who never shirked an issue all day.
Lindenow showed its poise in the final term, steadying with three goals to seal the match, while Lakes continued to struggle in front of the big sticks with a return of 1.5.
The slow start and inaccurate kicking will haunt the Seagulls, who missed a prime opportunity to break back into the top four.
Harrison was the star up forward for the Cats, finishing with four goals, while Logan Dunkley and Richards chipped in with two apiece.
Donchi, Gould, Cooper Shaw and Sam Confait were all prolific performers across the ground, with high profile recruit Jake Richards also impressing.
For the Seagulls, James Beha put in a solid shift at centre half back, while Sam Brown, Woodland and Tom Hudson each finished with two majors.
Hudson provided strong drive off the wing, working well alongside big man Josh Wykes and Mitch Banner.
Liam Carroll, Will Cantril and Jordan Cullen were also solid contributors.
While a top-four finish remains well within reach for Lakes Entrance, the coaching staff will need to quickly rectify the team’s slow starts if they are to spark a late-season surge.
Lakes coach, Darren Martin was disappointed with the loss but high in his praise of the winners.
“It was a terrific match, we didn’t take our chances and they gritted it out,” he said.
“We are competitive against every side but need to get everything right to win these big games.”
In contrast, the victory allows Lindenow to consolidate its hold on second spot, maintaining a healthy percentage buffer over third-placed Wy Yung.
Lakes Entrance has a must win clash this week against last year’s grand finalist, Lucknow, at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
Wykes and Nikolajew head up the Seagulls unavailabilities for what could be a season-defining clash.
