There were some competitive matches in East Gippsland netball last Saturday, with exciting wins to Lakes Entrance’s “D” grade and under 17s during round 10 against Orbost Snowy Rovers at Lochiel Park.
Lakes threw everything at Orbost Snowy Rovers in the first half of the “A” grade contest, playing outstandingly defensively in a fast-paced encounter, the Blues holding a handy but not insurmountable four-goal advantage at half time despite the Seagulls leading by as many as eight in the first quarter.
The Seagulls continued to attack in the second half but the Blues were much steadier down the stretch, drawing away to win by 14 goals.
Centre Tilly Richardson returned to the side and was outstanding for Lakes, joined in the best by shooter Abbey Yates, Brodie Watts and Indi Allen.
The third-rated Lakes Entrance went into the “B” grade match as favourites against a Blues side that needed another win to keep in touch with the top four.
Orbost got off to a flying start, leading by eight goals at half time, despite the efforts of defender Brittney Seccull, who worked hard for the ball, giving plenty of pressure and creating much-needed turnovers.
Lakes worked its way back into the game in the third stanza, despite not making any difference on the scoreboard.
Molly Stevens, inside the ring, was afforded plenty of opportunities and made the most of her chances.
The last quarter was physical and the Seagulls’ best for the match, showing what they are capable of when close to their best, the full court defensive pressure a feature.
Despite the best efforts, the Blues hung on to win by five goals, Seccull joined in the best by Tessa York and Ashleigh Van Rensburg.
Lakes and Orbost looked evenly matched in “C” grade and that’s how it played out, trading goals for three and half quarters.
In the end it was the Blues who finished strongest to win by six goals, 31-25.
Abbey Le Maitre, Ciara Lawson and Rebecca Rotheram all has good games for the Seagulls.
In “D” grade it was another impressive victory, this time by 13 goals, which has consolidated Lakes Entrance’s position inside the top three, with a finals campaign more likely than not.
After a slow start, defence and attack kicked into gear, joined by the centre court, the Seagulls controlling the second half to win easily.
Tanya Balington, Gabi Wright and Harriet Copeland were all standouts for Lakes Entrance.
IMAGE: Lakes Entrance “C” grade midcourt player Abbey Le Maitre leaps high to intercept a ball during her side’s six-goal East Gippsland netball loss to Orbost Snowy at Lochiel Park last Saturday.
