Lakes Entrance ran over the top of a gallant Stratford in the final term of their round seven East Gippsland Football Netball League match at the Lakeside Oval.
It was the fifth-placed Seagulls’ third consecutive victory and puts them on the same points as arch-rivals and current fourth-placed team, the Orbost Snowy Rovers. The two sides will meet on June 13 at Lochiel Park in Orbost, following this weekend’s competition bye.
Stratford currently sits at the bottom of the ladder, but they were gallant and took the match right to the Seagulls, even without coach and key playmaker Nathan Pollard. The match was tied up at quarter-time, before a three-goal-to-two second term gave Lakes Entrance a five-point buffer at half-time.
Lakes veteran Josh Piper was rested in the second half after complaining of hamstring soreness. Seagulls coach Darren Martin likened the contest to their round two clash with Orbost Snowy Rovers at the Lakeside Oval.
“That day we looked the winner for the first three quarters, but didn’t know how to get the job done. It’s great to see our guys learning how to and wanting to win,” Martin said.
Another three-goal-to-two term saw the Seagulls’ lead extend to nine points at the final break. Martin was delighted with the composure his side showed late in the third quarter as they began to play the game on their terms against a bigger-bodied Stratford lineup, setting up an impressive last-quarter finale.
Lakes’ best quarter was clearly the last, where they kicked four goals to one to win impressively by 29 points.
“With players of the calibre of Beha, Wykes, Addison, Hudson, Sam Brown, and Nicol out of the side, I loved the way we knuckled down and ran over the top of them in the final quarter,” Martin said.
Dylan Nikolajew went forward in that final quarter and kicked two goals, adding another string to his bow, leaving Mitch Banner and Harry Read directing traffic through the midfield. Banner was again sensational, accumulating over 20 possessions in the first half alone in another elite performance. He was well supported by Angus McKenzie, who went to half-back at times when Angus Stevens went into the ruck.
Xavier Woodland was the best forward on the ground, kicking four goals, while Max and Angus Stevens dominated across half-back. Max’s kicking was one of the features of the contest, continually finding a fellow Seagull with bullet-like precision.
Among the best for the Swans were Zac Russell, who had a great battle with Sam Brown in the ruck, Hamish MacGregor, Cooper Dixon, the speedy Dylan O’Shanassy, Riley Cottrell, and skipper Harrison Langford, who was steady across half-back all day.
Martin was impressed with Swans forward Ben Dekkers, who finished with two goals and provided a strong challenge for Seagulls fullback Will Cantrill, who has had a great season in defence. Jacob Williams also finished with two goals for the visitors.
Lakes Entrance’s focus will now turn to Orbost, where Martin expects to have a full list to pick from, forcing some tough decisions at the selection table.
“Players like Charlie Graham, Charlie Gould, Kaleb Day, and Sam East have all come into the team with players out and made some impressive contributions,” Martin said.
Lakes will enjoy the break, but one eye will already be on the Blues, with the four points pivotal to either side’s finals aspirations. Stratford will also enjoy the break, hoping to regroup and potentially welcome back Pollard, provided his hand has shown significant improvement, for their home clash with neighbouring foe Lindenow.
