Lakes Entrance locked in its “B” grade East Gippsland netball finals spot with a super 13-goal round 15 win over Lucknow at the Lakeside Oval last Saturday.
Meanwhile the Seagulls’ “A” graders showed great fight against the ladder leading and undefeated Magpies, leading throughout the second quarter before being overrun by 12 goals.
It was a goal-for-goal start in the “A” grade encounter with Brodie Stubbs enjoying some time in the attacking circle and proving Lucknow with some headaches.
In the mid-court Tilly Richardson and Liv Borley were combining well to fire passes into the ring where Stubbs and Abbey Yates created scoring opportunities.
At the other end of court Meika Pitt and Poppy Carroll had their work cut out against Macy Tatnell and Emma Sanford, but they were able to force the Magpies to shoot from long range.
Lucknow led by four at the first break with a few scoring chances going begging for Lakes.The Seagulls came out firing and defender Brianna Thewma created intercepts to gave Lakes more opportunities.
Pitt was gathering numerous rebounds as Lakes played some of its best netball for the season, transitioning well throughout the court.
The Magpies steadied late in the quarter to extend their advantage to seven.
Stubbs and Yates again moved well in ring to give each other opportunities and present chances for the.
Intensity was high and Lakes stood tall, Lucknow having to use all its skill to keep the Seagulls at bay.
Trailing by 12, Lakes changed it up with Yates moving to defence combining with Carroll and Pitt and Stubbs showing Lucknow they are a formidable team in attack.
Lakes had nothing to lose and showed it could take it to the ladder leader, despite going down 58-46.
Best players were Brodie Stubbs and Tilly Richardson.
“B” GRADE
For the second week in a row Lakes had a couple of outs in the team and went in knowing it only lost by two the last time it faced Lucknow.
The Seagulls knew it was going to be a tough game but they came prepared and after an even first quarter they started to gain the ascendency.
Finding rhythm in the goal circle through Jess and Molly Stevens, Lakes extended the lead. Centre Teyah Morrison was feeding the ball into the goalies who were converting and continued to open the lead.
Defence were strong in the third quarter and the Seagulls were able to stop a few of Lucknow’s goals, while midcourt defensive pressure was backed up by smooth ball movement.
By three quarter time the lead had extended to 11.
Lakes continued to play a strong game in the final quarter with every player contributing to a 42-29 win.
Best players were Molly and Jess Stevens.
“C” GRADE
Lakes had a sloppy start, giving Lucknow the easy jump and it never looked back.
The Magpies players showcased their ability to read the play, forcing numerous errors while Lakes had great passages of play but failed to maintain consistency.
Pariss McKendry was strong in defence for Lakes and Abbey Le Maitre lifted to provide reliability in attack, however after a slow start the Seagulls were out of the contest.
Lakes had incredible pressure and made Lucknow work hard for its goals in the second half, but unfortunately Lucknow’s shooting accuracy was far too difficult to match, the Seagulls going down by 20, 38-18.
Best players were McKendry and Le Maitre.
“D” GRADE
A focus on a strong start was key for Lakes and that they did, powering to a nine-goal lead.
Tanya Balintong did well in defence to intercept and pick up ball, while Fi Yates and Sarah Kennedy worked well together to convert the goals at the other end.
A few errors to start the second allowed Lucknow to get a couple of quick goals but Lakes kept fighting.
The game turned rough and the Seagulls had to work hard to settle and focus again.
Harriet Copeland put on great pressure through the midcourt as Lakes maintained a 13-goal half time.
The Seagulls defence started strongly in the third quarter, but Lucknow put the pressure on and wouldn’t go away.
With some on court drama, Lakes again had to reset and refocus.
The Seagulls started slow in the fourth, but they maintained control, making changes throughout the mid and attacking areas to try to slow the game, eventually winning 32-23.
The win sealed Lakes Entrance’s finals spot.
Best players were Tanya Balintong and Shannae Mills.
