Lakes Entrance claimed three wins from four senior East Gippsland netball matches last weekend in fierce contests against rival Orbost Snowy.
The highlight was a bruising “B” grade encounter which saw both teams share the lead in a frantic final quarter where tempers flared, the Seagulls claiming victory in a thriller by one goal, ending the Blues’ finals hopes and giving the Seagulls a slim chance of claiming a finals double chance if it can overcome Wy Yung in the final round this Saturday.
Lakes’ “C” grade claimed its fourth win of the season with a hard-earned two-goal victory, while “D” grade comfortably won by two goals and will finish the home and away season third and play and elimination semi final against Lucknow regardless of this weekend’s results.
The Seagulls “A” graders went down by 16.
“A” GRADE
Lakes started strong against fourth-placed Orbost Snowy Rovers. Brodie Stubbs was converting her attempts on goal, fed well by Tilly Richardson.
A late injury to Mieka Pitt saw Molly Stevens injected into the game as the Blues were narrow leaders at quarter time.
Lakes was quick to break back in the second quarter, gaining turnovers and reducing the margin as defensive pressure by both teams saw the game lift.
Orbost Snowy held a two-goal lead at the long break.
Lakes made costly errors in the third quarter with poor passing and missed goals. The Blues took full advantage and held a handy nine-goal lead at three quarter time.
Tired legs and fatigue set in for both teams with the ball going back and forward.
Orbost Snowy held firm in the last and extended the gap to 16.
Best players for Lakes were Tilly Richardson, Olivia Borley and Poppy Carroll.
“B” GRADE
It was a competitive first quarter with the teams going goal-for-goal, setting the tone for a back and forth match.
Lakes’ ball movement into the goal ring was outstanding from the midcourt, indicating the Seagulls know their goalies as they led by one at the first break.
The Seagulls upped the anti in the second quarter and capitalised on some Orbost Snowy mistakes to go ahead by five at half time.
Starting the third quarter with a fumble but quickly regaining possession with some beautiful play saw Lakes take the opening goal, followed by another, but the Blues soon found their rhythm to fight and equal the scores.
The game continued to be hard fought and required the whole team to step up and keep hold of the ball.
Tensions rose right up to final siren but saw Lakes took the win by one goal.
Best players were Brittney Seccull and Jess Stevens.
“C” GRADE
Lakes was hungry for a win following a loss against Orbost Snowy last time they met.
The warm conditions made for a hard slog, both teams fatiguing as the game wore on.
Lakes had a strong start, getting the lead to six goals before it lost its composure. The Seagulls managed to regain some control, however they had left the door ajar for Orbost Snowy.
The Blues continued to push Lakes, not allowing them to gain an ascendency. It was an arm wrestle all game but Lakes, with the help of their fleet footed centre, Abbey Le Maitre, fought until the end.
It was a messy win, however Lakes dug deep and worked tirelessly as a unit to finally reap the reward of victory.
The ladies weathered the storm and produced some incredible plays – a well-deserved victory for the Lakes’ “C” grade team.
Best players were Abbey Le Maitre and Pariss McKendry.
“D” GRADE
It was an even start from both teams to start the game. Lakes worked the ball well down the court and fed the ball well into the goalers
and despite some inaccurate shooting Lakes powered on to a five-goal lead after the first quarter.
Defence was strong to start the second but Lakes struggled to get it into the shooters with Orbost Snowy putting on some good pressure.
Harriet Copeland, Shona Manniche, Tanya Balintong and Shannae Mills all claimed good intercepts.
Both teams kept fighting in the heat, Lakes making changes late and continuing to keep the pressure high to lead by seven.
The Seagulls started slow, Orbost Snowy taking advantage of this bringing the margin back to a few goals.
Lakes again made changes to the shooting circle to try and improve this. The Seagulls began to improve with Sarah Kennedy providing the support while Shona was great in defence, getting tips and rebounds.
The Seagulls maintained a six-goal lead heading into the final quarter.
Lakes started better in the last, with Shona getting a few good tips and rebounds. The match got physical down in the shooting end but Lakes held its heads high.
Tanya and Shona worked well together and were strong in defence, while Shannae ran hard and helped with ball movement down the court.
Fi Yates was solid goals all game as the Seagulls won 29-20.
Best players were Charlotte Zagami and Shona Manniche.
