It was a tough day for the Lakes Entrance netballers at Boyd Reserve in Stratford, going winless in round 14 of East Gippsland netball against the powerful Swans, though there were a couple of encouraging performances.
One of those was in “A” grade, where the Seagulls succumbed 57-42 to the reigning premier and the side most feared as the 2026 finals series approaches.
In consistent patches throughout a hard-fought and physical encounter, Lakes took the game right up to the home side, but as you would expect, the well-drilled and experienced Swans had all the answers, confirming a top-two finish yet again.
Tommi Carroll, Tayla Mills and Chloe Watson led a spirited Lakes rearguard action.
It was a similar scenario in “B” grade, where the winning margin and ladder positions lacked correlation; the third-ranked Swans were victorious, but only by 13 goals, winning 48-35.
Meika Pitt and Billie Moorhouse both had impressive games for the visitors.
The going was particularly tough in “C” and “D” grades as the Seagulls matched up against talented outfits finalising their finals preparations.
In “C” grade, the Swans were 55-10 victors, with Charlotte Zagami and Alice Pepper battling hard for Lakes.
In “D” grade, Stratford were emphatic 56-9 winners, with Poppy Richardson, Georgi Boyd and Rebecca Williams among the better players for the Seagulls.
The under 17 match also went the way of the hosts, 48-23, but the game wasn’t without some fruitful passages from Lakes Entrance, which is a fair reflection of their season.
Makayla Grabham, Eve Hamer and Emily O’Donnell were productive for the Seagulls against stiff opposition.
The under 15 Lakes outfit battled hard against yet another Stratford side set to play finals, going down 40-19 in a competitive match, with Eve Hamer and Charlie Richardson featuring among the best.
The under 13 match was expected to be the closest of the day with both sides inside the top four — Stratford currently sitting third and Lakes Entrance fourth.
Isobel Mills and Kenya Connolly impressed as the Seagulls went down 18-10 in a match where the bounce of the ball ultimately went the way of Stratford.
The Seagulls are still a game ahead in fourth and remain likely finals contenders.
Expect some tough matches on the courts this week when Lakes welcomes arch-rival Orbost Snowy Rovers for seven huge games of netball.
