Lakes Entrance and Orbost Snowy Rovers looked relatively well-matched on paper for round 15 of East Gippsland netball at Lakeside Oval on last, and that proved to be the case across a series of close, hard-fought matches.
The Seagulls came out on top on the day, winning four of the seven contests, anchored by victories in the three top-graded fixtures.
The “A” grade match went right down to the wire, with the home side holding their nerve late in a thrilling contest to win 51-47.
It was the Seagulls’ fourth win of the season. Sitting seventh on the ladder, they now trail the sixth-placed Blues by just percentage, reflecting the similar trajectories of both sides throughout the season.
Chloe Watson and youngster Skyla White were standouts for the winners, while Orbost received plenty of drive from highly rated youngster Jess Griebenow and premiership star Hayley Boxall.
Lakes Entrance recorded its fourth win of the season in “B” grade in another tough, spirited contest between the arch-rivals. The composure of the home side held them in good stead down the stretch to secure a 27-21 victory in a defence-dominated clash.
Pariss McKendry and Bonnie Rotheram were match-winners for the Seagulls, while Tamara Heyne and Zoe Jenkins drove the gallant Orbost challenge.
The closest contest of the day came in “C” grade, where Lakes broke through for its third win of the season. Although still seventh, the Seagulls now trail the sixth-placed Blues only on percentage.
In another hotly contested match that could have gone either way, the Seagulls made fewer errors at crucial times to prevail 27-23 in a game where both defences forced offensive players to work hard for every possession.
Charlotte Zagami and Harriet Copeland were influential for the home side, while promising youngster Keeley Greaves impressed for the Blues.
The most decisive result of the day came in “D” grade, where the visitors registered their fifth win of the campaign, combining well as a team to salute 37-15.
Youngster Kayley Robinson and veteran Sue Kendrick led the Orbost charge, while Cass Supple and Christine Anderson were serviceable for the Seagulls.
Second-placed Orbost continued its preparation for the under 17 finals with a routine 41-28 victory over last year’s premiers.
Remi Macdonell, Lani Mundy and Emma Chapman were among the best for the Blues, while Sadie Stevens and Lily Mills contributed strongly for Lakes Entrance.
Orbost Snowy Rovers earned another great result in the under 15 division, where their second-placed side ran out comfortable 29-12 winners.
Billie Young and Jemima Seal were in outstanding form for the victors, while Ruby Jakins and Taylah Williams battled hard for the Seagulls.
Lakes Entrance struck back in the under 13 clash, winning 32-18. The under 13 side has been the success story of the Seagulls’ netball program this season, currently sitting fourth and well set for a finals campaign.
Millie Stewart and Georgi Witham led the way for the home side, with London Austin, Layla Burn, and Ruby Faithful again among the best for the Blues.
Lakes Entrance will head to Bairnsdale this Saturday to do battle with Wy Yung at Bullumwaal Road.
