A pair of junior victories provided the highlights for Lakes Entrance during a tough day at the courts in round 11 East Gippsland netball action against Lindenow at the Lakeside Oval last Saturday.
The reigning premier under 17 Seagulls showcased their steady improvement last Saturday, delivering one of their finest performances of the season to edge out the Cats in a 30-29 thriller. The victory keeps Lakes Entrance’s late finals charge alive, moving them within two games of the fourth-placed Lindenow.
Makayla Grabham, Lily Mills and Emily O’Donnell were all pivotal in the home side’s gritty win.
The under 13 team also tasted success, maintaining its grip on fourth place with a relatively straightforward 30-20 triumph over the Cats. Millie Stewart, Grace Dunbar and Lily Mills paved the way for the Seagulls’ victory.
In the under 15 encounter, the sides appeared evenly matched on the ladder, but the contest quickly shifted once the first whistle blew. The Cats hit top gear early to establish a handy lead at the first change and never looked back, running out 35-16 winners. Mia Hamer and Indie Lina battled hard to give a good four-quarter account of themselves for Lakes Entrance.
With an “A” grade finals spot still within reach, Lindenow arrived ready to play. The Cats’ slick transition and teamwork proved too great a challenge for a developing Seagulls outfit that continues to blend youth with experience and enthusiasm. While the promising signs are there for Lakes Entrance, the finished product remains a work in progress.
Lindenow’s 49-23 victory propelled them into the top four at the expense of Wy Yung. Skyla White, along with Poppy and Tommi Carroll, led a spirited rearguard action for the home side, who remain determined to bank their third win of the season in the coming weeks.
Lindenow produced another dominant performance in “B” grade, finding answers across all four quarters to claim an impressive 40-15 win. Promising youngsters Alyssa Witham and Bonnie Rotheram were among the better players for the Seagulls.
In “C” grade, Lakes Entrance worked tirelessly in defence to create plenty of turnovers but struggled to capitalise at the attacking end, ultimately going down 30-15 in a hard-fought contest. Danielle Piper, Renee Shine and Mikaela Hooper worked exceptionally hard for the Seagulls.
Lindenow looks to be the primary challenger to premiership favourite Boisdale Briagolong in “D” grade, a status they justified last Saturday by making life incredibly difficult for Lakes Entrance.
The well-drilled Cats moved the ball from end to end with relative ease to secure a 39-9 victory, though Samantha Mongan and Christine Anderson remained serviceable for the Seagulls in a tough assignment.
Lakes Entrance faces another difficult task this weekend when they travel to face the Magpies at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
