Orbost Snowy Rovers pulled off a major upset on Saturday, knocking off reigning premier Wy Yung by two points at Lochiel Park in round 14 of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
The thrilling two-point victory reaffirmed the Blues’ strength on their home deck while snapping a five-game winning streak for the Tigers. Notably, it also marked the first time the club has swept Wy Yung across all three football grades on the same day since Orbost and Snowy Rovers merged.
Keen to protect fourth spot on the ladder with arch-rival Lakes Entrance breathing down their neck, Orbost Snowy dug deep in time-on to regain the lead, maintaining a four-point gap and a one per-cent advantage over the fifth-placed Seagulls.
The two sides will clash this Saturday in a massive fixture at Lakeside Oval. A victory for the Blues would cement their finals berth, while a win for Lakes Entrance would keep its season alive heading into the final round.
In the regular-season finale, Orbost Snowy Rovers will welcome Lucknow, while Wy Yung hosts Lakes Entrance at Bullumwaal Road. If Lakes wins this weekend and both sides win their respective round 16 matches, percentage will decide the neighbours’ fate.
For now, the advantage lies with the Blues following an outstanding win against a side quietly building to challenge the Boisdale Briagolong juggernaut that has dominated the competition all season.
After an even opening term where both sides missed opportunities while feeling each other out, the Tigers went to the quarter-time huddle holding a six-point lead on a perfect day for football.
The Blues made their move in the second quarter, booting five goals to one as Wy Yung missed crucial chances. Jarrah Nettleton was the star, kicking three of his four goals in the term as the Blues generated plenty of spread, leading to deep entries that allowed their crumbers to go to work. The home side moved the ball cleanly from half back, refusing to get bogged down along the wings.
In a tactical move that caught the Tigers by surprise, Orbost Snowy opted to play Kieren Vickery forward alongside brother Byron. Both kicked goals, though inaccuracy robbed them of a greater scoreboard reward.
Clearances were shared throughout the afternoon as the teams locked into a classic arm-wrestle in the third term, kicking three goals apiece while the Tigers searched for momentum.
As expected, the Wy Yung charge came. Trailing by 16 points at the final break, the Tigers kicked four goals to two in a grandstand finish. Jett Murphy put the Tigers in front late in the contest, only for Braeden Ross — playing his 150th senior game — to push forward from the midfield and slot the match-winner.
Ross was named best on ground, marginally ahead of young gun Bobby Bills, Jarrah Nettleton (four goals), Cody Robertson, the pivotal Curtley Nettleton and the ageless Tom Smith (two goals).
Harry Kellow was outstanding up forward for the Tigers, kicking five goals, and was well supported by Jack Betts, who slotted three. Wy Yung’s best players were Jock Overend, defender Jobe Somerville, Kellow, Ridge Peters, Jai Nicholls and Murphy.
There was jubilation in the home rooms post-game, with Blues co-coach Brett Morrison delighted with the grit shown by his side.
“It was an outstanding win. We came back strongly when challenged and never shirked an issue all day,” Morrison said.
“It was a great day for the club, and hopefully we can continue on with the momentum gained from such a significant win.”
With the two sides looking like prospective elimination final opponents, Wy Yung coach Brodie Anderson kept his cards close to his chest.
“We left our momentum too late, really,” Anderson said.
“We didn’t manage the game as well as we would’ve liked, which is disappointing as that is one of our strengths.
“Credit to them, they played the game and the ground really well, and it’s looking like we will face them again in a couple of weeks’ time.”
Orbost Snowy Rovers’ attention now turns firmly to Lakes Entrance.
“We expect a tough contest this week,” Morrison said.
“It always is, and the stakes have never been so high. We are looking forward to it.”
Wy Yung will head to Boisdale to take on the Bombers.
“We are looking forward to the challenge and bouncing back after last week,” Anderson said.
