Lakes Entrance’s thirds scored their biggest win of the East Gippsland football season last Saturday, knocking off Orbost Snowy Rovers for the first time this year, seizing the coveted finals double chance with the victory.
With plenty to play for the Seagulls were out of the blocks quickly, kicking six goals to two in a spirited opening term at the Lakeside Oval.
Lakes got plenty of drive from their youngsters who have been exposed to senior football in 2024, including skipper George Ioakim, Max Stevens, Caleb O’Donnell and Kurt Grabham.
The second term was a much more even affair, the Seagulls managing to lengthen their lead to 29 points with greater efficiency inside the forward 50.
The third term belonged to Blues, who kicked three goals to one, Angus Joiner (four goals) providing a target up forward with the dynamic Kruze Farley well and truly blanketed by the Seagull defence.
With the margin just 14 points at the break, both sides had plenty to play for, the double chance up for grabs.
It was the Seagulls who made all the running, despite their radar being off inside 50, they kicked two goals to one, running out impressive 24-point winners.
Sloane Wisby, James Daly and O’Donnell all finished with two goals for Lakes Entrance, with the best players included Charlie Goold, Angus Stevens, Ioakim, Wisby, James Van Oosterom and Grabham.
Lakes will enjoy a well-deserved week off this Saturday with Wy Yung not having a thirds term.
The seventh-placed Blues were too good for the sixth-ranked Seagulls in a well-contested reserves match.
Orbost set the game on its head in the first term, kicking six unanswered goals, eventually running out 48-point victors.
Jack Cameron kicked three goals for the Seagulls, while Michael Battista chipped in with a couple. Among the best players were Michael Sowden, Brett Campisi, Battista, Zac Hooper, Zade Amyn and Jack Cameron.
