Lindenow controlled play all day to secure a 29-point victory over Lucknow in round 14 of East Gippsland Football Netball League action at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
With Wy Yung succumbing to Orbost Snowy Rovers by two points, the Cats have reclaimed second spot and a vital double chance on the ladder. With remaining matches against Stratford (home) and Paynesville (away), a double chance now looks theirs for the taking.
The Cats led by 12 points at quarter time before the tempo lifted considerably in an action-packed second term. Lucknow kicked five goals to four to narrow the margin to just a single goal at the main break — with three of the Magpies’ majors coming from free kicks that Cats defenders would love to have over again.
In a tighter second half, Lindenow controlled the pace, kicking six goals to record a victory that was more convincing than impressive.
Logan Dunkley (four goals) and Jake Richards (three) were again pivotal up forward, while Rob Maisey — who played predominantly as a defender early in the season — again relished playing higher up the ground to chip in with two goals. Damian Hodder finished with three majors for the Magpies, while Nick Mooney added two.
Justin Gould and David Donchi were outstanding at the coalface for the winners and were named in the best alongside Dunkley, Rohan Blandford and the Richards brothers, with Sam Richards really coming into his own as a key defender in the back half of the season.
Best players for Lucknow were Link McKenna, Bayley Croucher, Harvey Abraham, Ashley Smith, Logan Croucher and Jesse Glassborow.
In a blow for the home side, Ricky Tatnell — one of the few shining lights in a relatively disappointing season for Lucknow — suffered a knee injury during the match, with scans scheduled this week to determine the severity.
Lucknow will have an opportunity to return to the winners’ list this weekend when it welcomes Paynesville to the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
