It was another tough day at the office for Lakes Entrance in round 12 East Gippsland netball action, with Lucknow showcasing its league powerhouse status at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
The Magpies were in imperious form across the afternoon, sweeping all seven matches in comfortable fashion.
In “A” grade, the high-flying Magpies — who have suffered just a single loss this season — further cemented their premiership credentials with a relentless 76-31 victory.
Lucknow’s suffocating defence forced constant turnovers, while smooth end-to-end transition continuously split the Seagulls open. Led by standout performances from competition stars Hayley Escudero and Erica Lynch, the home side dominated from the opening whistle.
Poppy Carroll, Skyla White and Chloe Watson battled gallantly all afternoon for Lakes Entrance against a formidable opponent.
The Seagulls put up a much tighter fight in “B” grade, delivering a competitive effort before eventually falling 32-21 to a one-loss Lucknow side. Pariss McKendry, Tessa York and Sadie Stevens led the charge for the visitors in one of the day’s most entertaining contests.
In “C” grade, the ladder-leading Magpies proved far too strong in a 43-13 result, despite a determined rearguard effort from Lakes Entrance trio Alice Pepper, Danielle Piper and Renee Shine.
An undermanned “D” grade Seagulls lineup also faced a tough assignment, with Lucknow running out emphatic 50-7 victors. Rebecca Williams, Georgi Boyd and Zoe Zagami all tried hard for the visitors.
The under 17 fixture saw the reigning premier Seagulls attempt to keep their slim finals hopes alive against the ladder leaders. While Lakes Entrance showed plenty of fight, the polished Magpies responded at key moments to seal a 33-21 win. Sophie Lina, Makayla Grabham and Lily Jakins impressed for the Seagulls.
Lucknow’s undefeated under 15 side maintained its flawless record with a 45-13 victory, with Rhani Mullett and Anna Radford battling hard for Lakes.
What was billed as the match of the day in the under 13s ended in anti-climactic fashion, as the second-placed Magpies outclassed fourth-placed Lakes Entrance 36-14.
Despite the loss, the Seagulls retain a four-point buffer over fifth-placed Boisdale Briagolong inside the top four. Kenya Connolly and Maddison Woodward were the standout performers for the visitors.
Lakes Entrance will look to bounce back this weekend when they host Paynesville at Lakeside Oval across all seven grades.
