Lakes Entrance’s “B” grade showed it is ready for a strong finals campaign after defeating Wy Yung in the final round of East Gippsland netball.
The Seagulls took everything Wy Yung threw at them and eventually pulled away for a five-goal win.
The Seagulls take on Lucknow this Sunday in an elimination semi final at Bairnsdale City Oval.
It wasn’t such a good result for “A”, “C” and “D” grade, who all suffered defeats.
Despite the loss, Lakes’ “D” grade side will still play finals, also meeting Lucknow this Sunday in an elimination semi.
“A” GRADE
Wy Yung shot out to an early lead in “A” grade with Lakes adjusting to a new line-up. The Seagulls reduced the lead late in the first quarter but Wy Yung countered and led by eight at the break.
The Tigers’ accurate shooting was hard to suppress with their goalies working well together while Lakes’ poor passing caused costly turnovers as the margin increased to 19 at half time.
The Seagulls worked hard in defence but had not answer to Wy Yung’s well-drilled side and despite a better final quarter, Wy Yung too good on the day, winning 62-38.
Best players were Brianna Thewma, Poppy Carroll and Indi Allen.
“B” GRADE
Finals bound “B” grade’s game was a match to see if they finish third or second. To finish second would be a hard task, but the Seagulls showed they will stop at nothing to give it a good go.
The Tigers led by two goals at quarter time.
The second quarter showed what a tough match up it was.
It went goal-for-goal until Wy Yung was able to convert some intercepts to take the lead forward.
But in the last few minutes of the term Lakes lifted and was able to close the lead to keep it at just two into half time.
A strong defensive game from both sides saw a lot of turnovers, sometimes the teams unable to score from them.
Neither side was able to open up the lead but Lakes had edged in front to lead by one going into the final quarter.
Another tough and sometimes scrappy quarter saw Lakes able to convert and open up the lead, winning by five goals for a boost before going into the finals.
Best players were Tommi and Lucy Carroll.
“C” GRADE
Lakes had a great start to its final game for the season with Matilda Stephenson and Pohiri Gemmell on fire in goals.
The game had great intensity, with both teams applying immense pressure.
After a long season Lakes wanted to finish on a high note, wrapping up what has been a year of incredible teamwork and commitment.
Wy Yung was pushed in the beginning but eventually broke away after half time.
The top of the ladder Tigers were too strong and classy in the end for Lakes.
The Seagulls may have only snagged four wins this season but the passages of play and efforts were phenomenal for a new team and there’s no doubt that if this crew sticks together they will soon see some real success.
Final score saw Wy Yung defeat Lakes 44-24.
Best players were Matilda Stephenson and Chelsea Lavery.
“D” GRADE
It was a pinball start to the game with the ball moving up and down the court, both teams unable to score.
Finally Wy Yung was on the board with both teams working hard. Tanya Ballintong had taps and an intercept to shut down the shooters, but Wy Yung kept pushing. Gabi Wright was also solid in defence.
Some changes to start the second quarter helped Lakes make a better start. Both teams worked had but Lakes still needed to find another gear as the Tigers kept shooting well. It wasn’t the quarter Lakes was after as Wy Yung went ahead by 13.
The Seagulls started better in the third with more energy, moving the ball a bit more freely down the court.
Conversion of the ball was tricky. Tayla Mills was solid in the midcourt as lots of changes were made by Lakes to try to slow the flow and help in the heat of the sun.
Wy Yung had increased its lead to 20, but Lakes kept fighting.
Tulli McLeod did well in defence and Tanya continued to work hard alongside her, but in the end the Tigers powered to a 28-goal victory.
Best players were Fiona Yates and Tanya Balintong.
