Superpower Wy Yung proved too good for a young and developing Lakes Entrance last Saturday at Bullumwaal Road during a wet and windy round nine of East Gippsland Football Netball League.
The Seagulls were competitive early before the reigning premier put the foot to the floor, kicking seven goals to two in the second term, with the proven game plan of hard running off half back prevalent.
The Tigers led by 12 points at quarter time before extending the margin to 43 points at half time. Lakes Entrance worked hard in the third term to get back into the match, but late goals to the Tigers saw them 54-point leaders with 30 minutes to play.
Wy Yung again dominated the last term kicking four unanswered goal and a wayward eight behinds, but to their credit the young Seagulls never gave up with young players Liam Allen, Tully Davis and Oscar Brazzale leading the way and continuing to gain valuable game time at senior level.
All three will be regular senior players for years to come and the cornerstone of the Seagulls’ next charge at premiership success.
The final margin was 85 points as the Tigers gained a significant percentage boost and improved their claims for a second consecutive premiership.
The Seagulls remain in seventh spot and will require a significant turnaround in fortunes quickly if they’re to keep the slimmest of finals hopes alive.
Coach Ben Rotheram had his side playing an improved brand of football in the first six weeks of the season, despite only having one win to show for it, however consecutive thrashings to Lucknow and Wy Yung will need addressing ahead of this week’s clash against an Orbost Snowy side fighting to get back into the top four.
Noah Bottom played his best senior game for the year, Matthew Duggan battled hard against quality opposition through the midfield, never shirking an issue which has become his trademark, while Jordan Cullen continues to improve with every outing after missing plenty of matches over the last couple of seasons with concussion.
IMAGE: Lakes Entrance ruckman Matt Pearce competes against Wy Yung’s Jack Betts at a boundary throw-in during the Seagulls’ 85-point round nine East Gippsland football loss last Saturday.
