Lindenow proved too strong for Orbost Snowy Rovers in a hard-fought round 13 East Gippsland Football Netball League battle at Lindenow Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
The Cats needed the victory to maintain pressure on Wy Yung in the pursuit of a vital top-two finish and double chance, while the Blues were eager to consolidate fourth spot ahead of Lakes Entrance.
Aided by a strong breeze, the visitors hit the ground running, kicking four goals to one in the opening term with Jamieson Humphreys, Braeden Ross and Tom Smith driving the engine room.
Orbost Snowy missed early chances to extend their advantage in the second term, allowing Lindenow to seize control at the stoppages and tilt momentum.
Justin Gould and David Donchi were pivotal around the contests, while the outside run of Cameron McPhan and Robert Maisey proved decisive. The home side made full use of the wind, booting six goals to one to establish an 11-point lead at the main break.
The Cats set up the victory in the crucial third quarter, battling against the breeze to manufacture two goals and hold a nine-point buffer at three-quarter time.
Former Maffra player Sam Richards delivered his finest game in Lindenow colours across half-back, linking up effectively with Josh Onley, Josh Lando and Jack Van Reyk.
With the wind in the final quarter, Lindenow sealed the contest, kicking three unanswered goals to run out 27-point victors. The Cats dominated the final three quarters, outscoring the Blues 11 goals to three.
Logan Dunkley led the goalkicking for Lindenow with three majors in the absence of the suspended Peter Harrison, while Maisey and Jake Richards added two apiece.
For the Blues, onballers Smith and Gus Rogers finished with two goals each.
Sam Richards was named best afield for the winners, supported by Donchi, Gould, McPhan, Jake Richards and Maisey.
Curtley Nettleton was sensational across half back for Orbost, with Smith, Kieran Vickery, Ross, Max Welsh and Humphreys also named among the best.
While the loss keeps Orbost Snowy in fourth, their percentage dropped from 122 to 117. The Blues return home to Lochiel Park this Saturday to face Wy Yung, with Sean Nippress, Max Holmes, Zac Webb, Jackson De Prinse, Wes Russell, Jack Herbert and Max Herbert all looming as potential inclusions.
Lindenow travels to Bairnsdale to take on an improving Lucknow side, where a win is essential to maintaining their top-two ambitions.
