Ladder leader Lucknow completely outplayed a disappointing Lindenow in round five of the East Gippsland Football Netball League (EGFNL), running out 65-point winners at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve in a match that didn’t reach any great heights.
The Cats didn’t kick their first and only goal until the third term, though they did defend grimly in the first half, applying plenty of pressure to the ball carrier, restricting the Magpies to just two goals.
Though Lucknow probably should have been further in front than 19 points at half time, nine behinds in the first half and 16 for the match proved costly, though pressure does cause skill errors.
The Magpies upped the tempo in the second half with experienced players such as Andrew Nelson, Link McKenna and Matt Corbett leading the way, the latter duo fitting in well to EGFNL football after transferring from Bairnsdale at the start of season 2025.
Lucknow got their goals from a variety of players, which would have impressed the coaching staff, with Brendan Flinn, veteran Ash Smith, John Gooch and
Nick Mooney all finishing with two each.
It was a productive return from Gooch who has been missing in recent weeks.
Best players for the winners were Nelson, Bayley Croucher, wingman Glen Perkins, big man Jake Richards, McKenna and Corbett.
Lucas Lakay was again good in defence for the Cats, while they got solid contributions from Aidan Kell, Lachy Carroll, coach Brett Waddell, veteran Justin Gould and Peter Harrison.
Lindenow faces another tough assignment when it heads to Boisdale this week to tackle the Bombers, who will be smarting after their last quarter fade out at Wy Yung last Saturday.
The Cats will be looking for greater contributions from key recruits Tim Todd, Baxter Evans, Damon Bradby and Tom O’Leary.
Lucknow will face Orbost Snowy Rovers, whose form has been patchy, the Blues will be desperate to bank the four points to stay in finals contention.
The Magpies will go in with plenty of confidence, while Orbost can take plenty of heart from the fact it has been competitive in recent seasons against Lucknow and on its ground, which the Blues seem to play particularly well on.
