Lucknow earned another crack at arch rival Boisdale Briagolong with a hard-fought 16 point victory over Stratford in the reserves preliminary final.
The minor premier was embarrassed last week against the Bombers, failing to kick a goal but that was quickly forgotten this week as they scored two majors in the first term, courtesy of Shaun Ryan and Jack Kennedy.
Key forward Ryan was a focal point all match kicking three goals in another reserves finals match that wasn’t the greatest spectacle.
Logan Croucher, James Sanford and Kyran McNaughton all impressed in and around the midfield and will come under close consideration for the senior berth vacated by the suspension Brendan Flinn.
Giant ruckman Scott Joustra gave the Magpies first use of the football with his opponent Lincoln Toner more effective in gathering possessions around the ground.
Shannon Cottrell and Blake Cuttriss battled hard for the Swans, as did veteran Jesse Broadbent.
After being kept goalless in the first term the Swans lifted in the second, a late goal from Jimmy Bavadra drawing them within 13 points at half time.
Last week’s star for the Swans Chris Webb didn’t impact the scoreboard and had to wander a long way from goal to gain possessions.
The second half became a real slog with only three goals kicked as both sides struggled in terribly windy conditions.
FINAL SCORES
Lucknow 2.3 4.3 5.3 6.4 (40)
Stratford 0.0 2.2 3.4 3.6 (24)
GOALS – Lucknow: S. Ryan 3; L . Croucher, J. Kennedy, T. Turner. Stratford: J. Bavadra, T. Schacht, L. Toner.
BEST – Lucknow: L. Croucher, J. Sandford, T. Coxhill, S. Joustra, D. Evans, K McNaughton Stratford: S. Cottrell, B. Cuttriss, J. Broadbent, J. Bennett, L. Toner, T. Schacht.
Orbost Snowy Rovers were victorious in the thirds, defeating Lakes Entrance by 35 points to progress through to the grand final where minor premier Lindenow awaits.
In less than ideal conditions the Seagulls didn’t kick their first goal of the game until late in the final term with the heat well and truly out of the match by then.
The Blues made good use of the wind in the first term as league best and fairest winner Brayden Fenner continued his great form, well supported by the likes of Toby Herbert, Fletcher Kleinitz and Hugh Barnes, the Blues’ leading by 13 points.
Orbost Snowy continually frustrated the Seagulls in the second term, bottling the ball up on the dead side of the ground, the Blues weren’t able to score, but restricted Lakes Entrance to just four behinds, the lead cut back to nine points at half time.
The Blues came out after half time meaning business, kicking three unanswered goals Bobby Bills and Jacob Farley began to dominate.
Charlie Goold was giving his all across half back for the Seagulls, getting support from Kurt Grabham and Baxter Bennett, while Max Stevens continued to impress.
The last quarter was party time for the Blues as Kruze Farley (four goals), entertained the crowd with his extraordinary goalkicking talent.
FINAL SCORES
Orbost Snowy 2.1 2.1 5.2 8.3 (51)
Lakes Entrance 0.0 0.4 0.4 2.4 (16)
GOALS – Orbost Snowy: K. Farley 4; H. Barnes, J. Farley, L. McGregor, R. Morrison. Lakes Entrance: O. Hopkins, A. Stevens.
BEST – Orbost Snowy: T. Herbert, F Kleinitz, K. Farley, H. Barnes, M. McKerlie, F. Donnellan. Lakes Entrance: C. Goold, K. Grabham, B. Bennett, M. Stevens, J. Daly, S. Wisby.
