Lucknow has defeated Wy Yung in the top of the table clash in round 14 of East Gippsland netball.
Led by coach Erica Lynch, the Magpies quickly opened up a five-goal buffer halfway through the first quarter, extending the lead to six by quarter time, 10 by half time, eventually running out 20-goal winners over last year’s runners-up.
Lynch has her girls playing a fierce brand of netball, creating turnovers at will off the back of outstanding full court pressure.
If it wasn’t already apparent, they are clearly the side to beat in 2024.
Orbost Snowy Rovers stayed in finals contention with an impressive victory over Lindenow.
After a close opening term where both sides traded goals, the Blues upped the tempo in the second quarter with exceptional shooting accuracy off the back of outstanding transition and tough
defence.
The Blues piled on 20 goals in the second quarter, much to the delight of coach Hayley Boxall, opening up a 10-goal lead with two quarters to play.
Not resting on their laurels, Orbost Snowy again was dominant in an 18-14 third term, where both sides moved the ball effectively.
Despite tiring in the final term, the Blues were able to maintain the advantage, winning by 14 goals.
Elle Whelan, Brooke Perrett and Taylah Tulloch all battled hard for the Cats.
The Blues face a tough match this week against third-ranked Stratford, victory crucial if they are to assert themselves into the top four in the final weeks of the home and away season.
The Blues remain in fifth place on the table, trailing fourth-placed Boisdale Briagolong by percentage.
The Bombers had a percentage-boosting win over Paynesville, victorious by 63 goals.
Lakes Entrance surprised Stratford with its midcourt presence and ability to deliver a fast-paced ball in attack in the first quarter as it opened up a two-goal lead at quarter time.
The Swans changed their focus in the second term, rushing periods of play that saw the Seagulls make crucial errors. Stratford took control and led at half time by three goals.
The Lakes Entrance coaching staff made some significant positional changes to the line-up in the third term, which lifted the intensity of the match, the ball being hotly contested, but the Swans showed their class, weathering the storm to open up a seven-goal advantage with a quarter to play.
Stratford continued to ram home the advantage, impressive 11-goal winners over a gallant Lakes Entrance team that played above its current ladder position.
Among the best for Stratford were Paris Toner, Chloe Smith and Skyla White, while for the Seagulls it was Indi Allen, Abbey Yates and Olivia Borley.
