A highly rated Lucknow team has defeated Lakes Entrance in round one of the East Gippsland Football Netball League by 58 points at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
Both sides were not at full strength, the Magpies going in without gun recruit Linc McKenna and Nicholas George, who is still a while off returning after having a knee reconstruction last season.
The Seagulls took the field without key recruits Bryce Collings, Mitchell Banner and Sam Brown, whilst Sam Nickless return was delayed due to a calf strain, Liam Allen was missing with a broken wrist and Tommy Hudson is still struggling with a back injury.
Lucknow kept the Seagulls scoreless in the first term, kicking four goals from nine scoring attempts, with John Gooch (four goals) leading the way in a forward set up, which is without Dallas and Jackson Smith this season.
Matt Corbett was already showing that he will be an influential player in this competition, getting plenty of ball, combining well with both ruck options, Jake Richards (two goals) and Dion Grace.
The Magpies hit the ground running and the young Seagulls were left a little shellshocked by the early onslaught, but impressed when they regrouped at quarter time under the guidance of experienced coach, Darren Martin.
Lakes Entrance showed in the second term that they had been working hard in the pre-season and it showed on the scoreboard, kicking four goals to two in the term, to go in at half time trailing by just 16 points.
It was great to see the Lakes Entrance youngsters leading the way, Liam Carroll back from Springvale Districts pivotal in the charge, while George Ioakim and Elijah Zagami showed the benefit of exposure to senior football in 2024.
Lakes Entrance kicked the first goal of third term to narrow the margin to just 10 points, but three late goals to Lucknow including two from Nick Mooney, saw the Magpies 30 point leaders at three quarter time.
Their seven goal to one second half enough to secure the four points, Martin wasn’t disappointed with his sides effort.
“We went in with some key outs and several players who will benefit from the run, we gave a good account of ourselves and there were plenty of positives,” Martin said.
Better players for the Magpies were Corbett, Gooch, Richards, Nick Mooney, Grace and coach Shaun Mooney.
The Seagulls were best served by Carroll, centre half back Sabastian Etheridge, Ioakim, Zagami, Ben Richardson and Scott Latta in his first game for the club.
Interestingly the Magpies were right on their 39 point players allocation on Saturday, with McKenna, a four pointer to be fitted in when available, which may cause some headaches going forward.
Lakes Entrance will enjoy a week off for
the Easter break before hosting Boisdale-Briagolong in round two, the Bombers are sure to smartening after going down to Stratford in week one.
