Lucknow has confirmed its position as the Bairnsdale-based side most likely to challenge for the East Gippsland Netball League (EGFNL) ultimate supremacy with a four-goal victory over Wy Yung in round three at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
The Magpies sit on top of the ladder and are one of only two unbeaten sides, the other being Stratford.
Lucknow led by 10 points at quarter time, extending the advantage to 14 points at half time, the Tigers always within striking distance but certainly not as home on the confines at Lucknow as they would have been if the game was played at Bullumwaal Road.
With the match on the line in the premiership quarter, it was the Magpies who came out keen to take the game by the scruff of the neck, kicking five goals to two, extending their lead to an unassailable 26-point advantage with momentum on their side.
Kicking winning scores has been a problem for the Magpies in recent seasons, but it wasn’t an issue last Saturday, Lucknow kicking 16 majors finding goals from a couple of unlikely sources.
Steve Bertino, who has played primarily as a back, and Link McKenna, in his first game for the club, both kicked four each, while James Sanford, Brendan Flinn and perennial club best and fairest winner Joel McNamara all slotted two.
McKenna’s inclusion caused a points reshuffle with Corey Pescod who kicked six goals last week, making way for the silky left footer, who is set for a huge level at EGFNL level.
Best players for the winners were Jack Saulle, ruckman Dion Grace, Andrew Nelson, McKenna, Bertino and Matt Corbett, Grace enjoying more time on the ball with Jake Richards not in the line up.
The Magpies are still right on the points limit with John Gooch and Nick George seen as automatic selections at the business end of the season.
Jack Betts kicked three goals for the Tigers, with Norm Betts and coach Brodie Anderson finished with two each.
Brad Daniel, Norm Betts, Jett Murphy, Tom Betts, Nate Somerville and Alex Halabut all impressed for the Tigers.
Murphy, from the Oakleigh Amateurs, has impressed in both hitouts for his new club, operating through the midfield.
Lucknow will enjoy a bye this week, its next match against Lindenow on May 17 at the Cattery.
Wy Yung will head to Lindenow this week, keen to bounce back after Saturday’s disappointing performance.
It looms as interesting clash with the Cats likely to have their impressive Melbourne recruits in for the fixture.
