East Gippsland Football Netball League “A” grade minor premier, Orbost Snowy, secured a spot in the grand final after defeating Stratford by four goals in a thrilling second semi final at Bairnsdale City Oval on Saturday.
An early injury to Blues’ goal shooter, Brianna Dignan, brought Caitlyn Evans into the game. The Swans also made an early change with wing defence, Brittney Gray, being replaced by Ebony Lee.
It was an even first term with 11 goals scored before a 14-goal second stanza showed that the two sides couldn’t be separated.
The match tightened up in the third quarter with only 10 goals being scored before Orbost Snowy found some space in the last quarter to run out narrow victors.
For the Blues, Hollie Fuhrmann, who played in centre, was brilliant with her passing and decision-making.
Caitlyn Evans played well in goal shooter, while Caitlin Hughes was strong in defence.
Sarah Bishop toiled hard for Stratford through the midcourt and Maddison Telling and Brittney Gray played well.
Stratford will battle Lakes Entrance for the last grand final spot in a do-or-die preliminary final this Saturday.
In “B” grade, Lakes Entrance ran out eight-goal winners against Stratford.
The Seagulls were on fire in the opening term as they led by five at the first break.
The lead soon extended to 12 by half time as Lakes’ dominance across the court was causing the Swans to turn the ball over.
Stratford fought back in the third stanza, scoring nine goals to five, though Lakes Entrance was still in control with an eight-goal lead at the final break.
The final term was even with six goals each as the Seagulls secured the win.
Kirsty Petrac, Prue Dear and Brydie Bourke stood out for Lakes Entrance, while Lani Aurisch, Catherine Boyd and Kym Albrecht played well for the Swans.
Lakes Entrance will play the winner of Stratford and Wy Yung in the grand final.
Stratford made easy work of Lucknow in “C” grade, winning by 18 goals.
Nikaela Hubbard, Emma Hubbard and Chloe Gallasch were the Magpies’ best.
Lucknow will face Lindenow in the preliminary final.
Stratford caused a 13-goal upset over Wy Yung in “D” grade.
The Tigers simply had no answers for the rampaging Swans who will play either Wy Yung or Lakes Entrance in the decider.
Orbost Snowy defeated Wy Yung by 17 goals in the 17 and under contest.
Courtney Wade, Anna Quinsey-Munro and Hailey Griebenow were exceptional for the Blues, while Estella Ganci, Chloe Lizars and Stevie Alvin gave their all for the Tigers.
Wy Yung will square off against Stratford in the preliminary final.
In the 15 and under contest, Wy Yung triumphed by five goals against Orbost Snowy.
In a low scoring game Caitlin Woodward, Lara Hall and Sarah Faithfull stood tall for the Tigers. Ashley Wade, Jorja Young and Jorja Savory worked hard for the Seagulls.
Lakes will battle it out against Orbost Snowy this Saturday.
PICTURED: Stratford’s Katheryn Costigan looks for a passing option during her side’s East Gippsland Football Netball League “A” grade second semi final loss to Orbost Snowy on Saturday at Bairnsdale City Oval.
