Thirteen certainly wasn’t unlucky for the Lakes Entrance thirds last Saturday at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve in the East Gippsland Football Netball League qualifying final.
The Seagulls registered their 13th consecutive victory for season against Lindenow by 33 points, the Cats the last side to beat the premiership favourite in round four.
Lakes Entrance put their imprint on the clash right from the first bounce, maximising opportunities in the first term, kicking three unanswered goals, to lead by 17 points at the first change.
Players like Max Stevens and Harper Davis, who have impressed at senior level for the Seagulls this season were in thick of the action, while skipper Harrison Bennett worked hard, leading from the front.
League best and fairest winner, Thomas Graham was again influential using his height and strength to great advantage.
The Cats had their chances in the second term, with the talented Xavier Cook and Nash Aquilina prominent as they mounted a spirited challenge.
They cut the margin to 14 points and probably should have been a goal closer.
The contest became a real arm wrestle in the third term, with both sides having good periods of productive play, but momentum ultimately neutral for most of it, the Seagulls led by 18 points at the final change.
With the wind beginning to gain some serious strength, the Seagulls put the spinnaker up in the final term, kicking three goals to one, to run out impressive winners.
Leroy Hayes, Max Stevens, Zane Holley and Jeremy Rotheram all kicked two goals for the winners, with their better players Graham, Aiden Wealands, Davis, Lachlan Ymer, Holley, and Bennett.
Among the best for the Cats were Hunter Crane, Aquilina, Xavier Cook, Liam Irish, Durome Abbey, and Draven White.
Lindenow will face top opposition this week from a confident Lucknow outfit, who have put together some impressive wins in recent weeks.
