Lucknow hung on for a determined and well-earned victory over a disappointing Lakes Entrance in round 12 East Gippsland Football Netball League action at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The nine-point victory has thrown Lakes Entrance’s quest for a 2026 finals berth into grave doubt after the Seagulls struggled with accuracy in front of goal again and were outplayed in a critical third quarter.
Following the round’s results, fourth-placed Orbost Snowy Rovers now find themselves two games (eight points) and a massive 23 per cent ahead of fifth-placed Lakes Entrance with just four rounds to play.
Effectively, if the Blues can win two of their next four matches — against Lindenow (away), Wy Yung (home), Lakes Entrance (away) and Lucknow (home) — they are assured of playing finals football.
In contrast, the Seagulls have a slightly better draw on paper, but are giving up a considerable head start after proving inconsistent and unpredictable at times throughout 2026.
Lakes Entrance will take on Paynesville (home), Stratford (away), Orbost Snowy Rovers (home) and Wy Yung (away).
If Lakes can win their next three games, a plausible scenario would see them needing to upset Wy Yung in the final round to sneak in. Ultimately, however, the setback against the Magpies has made their finals equation extremely tough.
In a lacklustre first half that wasn’t much of a spectacle, Lucknow kicked three goals to two as both sides butchered easy shots on goal.
Holding a narrow five-point advantage at half-time, Lucknow came out firing in the third quarter, kicking three unanswered goals to open up a 22-point advantage that infuriated Lakes Entrance coach Darren Martin.
The Seagulls were forced to play a player short for the first eight minutes of the second half following a yellow card issued to Liam Carroll prior to half time, though confusion reigned on match day over whether a player from both sides was sent off or just Carroll.
With their season on the line, the Seagulls finished strongly, kicking four goals in the final term to draw within three points, before Link McKenna’s second goal ensured a memorable victory for the home side by nine points.
Martin was less than impressed with his side’s performance.
“We had numerous inside 50s in the first half and didn’t capitalise,” Martin said.
“I can’t believe with our season on the line we dished up that effort in the third quarter.
“In saying that, we still had our chances in the final term and missed a couple of gettable shots. Full credit to them, though.”
Martin was particularly impressed with the Magpies’ accountability and tackling pressure.
“They won off the back of high pressure and they held their ground until they won the football,” Martin said.
Ricky Tatnell was clearly the best player on the ground, playing an unfashionable role as a ruckman opposed to a rotation of Charlie Graham, James Beha and Angus Stevens throughout the afternoon.
Beha was unstoppable early at centre half back, but had to move into the ruck to try and negate the influence of Tatnell, though he struggled to match the fleet-footed Magpie around the ground.
Stevens, who enjoyed a great battle with Nick Mooney (four goals) across the first three quarters, moved into the ruck in the final term, getting his hand on the ball and inspiring the Seagulls’ late surge.
Tom Hudson kicked both of his goals in the final term, while Sam Brown also slotted two for the visitors.
Other strong performers for the winning Magpies were the creative McKenna, Stevie Bertino, Mooney and youngsters Logan Croucher and Bradley Saulle.
The Seagulls were well served across the day by Sean Smith, Mitch Banner, Angus McKenzie, Brown, Stevens and Will Cantrill.
Lakes Entrance will host Paynesville this week, while the Magpies head to the Cabbage Patch to test their improved recent form against premiership favourites Boisdale Briagolong.
