For the first time this season the Orbost Snowy Rovers have strung together consecutive wins, humbling Paynesville at AJ Freeman Reserve by 126 points.
The win consolidates the Blues’ hold on fifth place, still trailing Boisdale Briagolong and Stratford by eight points with considerable work to be done if they are to see finals action in 2025.
Orbost was quickly out of the blocks, putting the Gulls to the sword with six unanswered first term majors.
The Gulls showed some fight in the second term kicking two goals and missing another couple which should have been majors, but they were still unable to match the Blues, who booted four.
The Blues went to another level in the second half kicking 14 goals to one with veterans Hamish Nettleton and Tommy Smith both finishing with five goals each.
Jamieson Humphreys slotted three, while Kieran Vickery, former Albert Park player Michael Clancy, and promising juniors Bobby Bills and Rusty Morrison all finished with two each.
Among the better players for the impressive Blues were Humphreys, defender Sean Nippress, Smith, Hamish Nettleton, Clancy and the hard-running Bills.
The Gulls were well served by Mitchell Willmott, Joe Mullett, Thomas McKay, Henry Wirken, Luke Smith and Steven Collins.
Interestingly it was the third time for the season Paynesville has ended with a finishing score of 26 – its best effort for the season.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will welcome the Stratford Swans to Lochiel Park this Saturday in a crucial match for both clubs.
Victory for the Blues could see them narrow the gap between fourth and fifth on ladder to just four points, a win for Stratford would end any hope of a finals appearance in 2025 for the Orbost Snowy Rovers.
Paynesville will venture east to tackle Lakes Entrance, who will go in with some significant outs, Gulls coach David Westland will be hoping his side can take advantage of that, and come out with some positive outcomes.
