The third-placed Lakes Entrance under 17s defeated a possible finals opponent, fourth-ranked Boisdale Briagolong, during round 12 of East Gippsland Football Netball League at the Cabbage Patch last Saturday.
In a close and competitive match, which is often the case on the small Boisdale oval, very little separated the sides for most of the match.
The Seagulls led at every change with an eight-point half time lead cut to just a goal at the final change.
Two unanswered final term majors saw Lakes get home by 14 points, the Bombers left to rue missed opportunities with five behinds in the final term among 14 for the day.
James Daly and Charlie Graham both kicked three goals for the Seagulls while Caleb O’Donnell continues to impress, slotting two.
Among the best players were Angus Stevens, Kurt Grabham, Harper Davis, the pacy Daly, Baxter Bennett and rugged half back Charlie Goold.
The second-placed Bombers proved a hurdle too big for the fourth positioned Seagulls in the reserves.
After a promising start, which saw the home side kick three goals to two in the opening the term, the Seagulls were outclassed from that point.
Boisdale Briagolong kicked eight unanswered goals to run out easy 71-point winners, the Bombers’ poor conversion rate leaving the final margin somewhat flattering from a Lakes Entrance perspective.
Byron Daley, Max Stevens, Andrew Hatch, Charlie Goold, Nathan McDonnell and Andrew Rimmer all tried hard for the Seagulls who were no match for the Bombers, who as always have a strong reserves team at their disposal.
With five games remaining Lakes Entrance sits a game ahead of Wy Yung and Lindenow on the table, with a poorer percentage which isn’t ideal.
Victory against both those sides will be imperative if the Seagulls are to see finals action.
IMAGE: Talented George Ioakim continues to impress in the infancy of his senior career for Lakes Entrance. (PS)
