There were only two matches in East Gippsland Football Netball League round four, with some clubs enjoying well earned byes, but the action was close and not a result separating the clubs at days end.
Reigning premier, Wy Yung, surged late to defeat Orbost Snowy Rovers at Lochiel Park, while a gallant Lakes Entrance went down to Boisdale Briagolong at the Lakeside Oval.
The Blues were out of the blocks quickly, with outstanding ruckman, Wes Russell, beginning forward and kicking three goals in the initial 15 minutes of play, all from set shots.
From that point forward, marks inside the Blues forward 50 became almost non existent, as a combination of poor delivery and outstanding defensive work from the Tigers saw the ball turned over repeatedly.
The Tigers worked back into the game late in quarter, trailing by just two points.
Tiger forwards, Jack Betts and Brad Daniels (two goals each) were looking dangerous but often had the same supply issue to their Blues opponents.
Much hyped Tiger big gun, Nathan Dennison, was kept quiet much of the day be Ash Jonkers, Gus Rogers and the fiesty Mitch Dignan.
Much of the second and third quarters were dominated by the half back lines, Norm Betts, Darcy Murray, Nate Sommerville and Joel Waters miserly for the Tigers, Max Welsh, Clancy Bennett, Cody Robertson and Jordan Ross just as important for the Blues.
Somerville and Norm Betts were outstanding, keeping the Nettleton brothers Curtley and Hamish, goalless for the day.
The second quarter was a real dour affair, Wy Yung hitting the front late in time on, after a dubious free was awarded directly in front goal, much to angst of the Orbost faithful.
The game went up a notch in the third term, with both sides rebounding strongly from half back, which has been a feature of the Tiger game plan over last two seasons.
Orbost had plenty of football in the third term, tackling strongly and doing a great job of corralling the Tiger runners.
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Jonkers and Braeden Ross (three goals), were busy through the midfield.
At times, Orbost looked the better side, but seemed to rush delivery, or pick out unwinnable two on one.
After leading much of the third quarter, two late goals from Wy Yung saw them cease an eight point buffer at the three quarter time break, which was against the grain.
This frustrated the Blues and they seemed intent on taking out their frustration on the umpires.
A more focused and resourceful Wy Yung kicked five goals to one in the final term to win, running away by 34 points.
Small forwards Brayden Ashwood and Aaron Hanuera ran riot, kicking three goals each.
Best players for the Tigers included Norm Betts, Somerville, Waters, Ashwood, Hanuera, Thomas Stephenson and wingmen Dylan Doecke.
Orbost was well served by the inspirational Jonkers, Bennett, Rogers, Braeden Ross, Andrew Malcolm and emerging ruckman William Walker, and Dignan.
The highly rated Bombers were keen to bounce back after going down to premiership favourite, Lucknow, last week, by a solitary point but the Seagulls proved a more than formidable opponent.
Although they threatened to kick away and trounce the Seagulls, a gallant Lakes held on gamely, going down by just 22 points.
Boisdale led by three goals at quarter time and was a further three in front halfway through the second term when coach Sam Bedggood (four goals), playing as a small forward, kicked goals in succession after costly turnovers by the Seagulls.
But to their credit the Seagulls rallied and finished the quarter strongly, including the game highlight, a goal of year contender from solid half back Liam Allen, the left foot shot from deep in the clubrooms pocket carrying the pack and making its way through with a kind bounce.
It was Allen’s first goal in senior football and might be a catalyst for him to wander forward more often.
Lakes coach Ben Rotheram moved himself into the centre shortly after and was a key component in Tom Hudson marking and goaling twice before half time.
Hudson finished the match with five goals, his kicking exceptional as we have now come to expect.
He currently sits on top of the competition goalkicking with 14 majors.
After outscoring the talented Bombers in the second term by four goals to three, the Seagulls trailed by just 17 points at half time.
Boisdale Briagolong’s radar around the big sticks was off in the second half as the sides kicked three goals each, the gallant Seagulls fighting to an honourable loss.
Among the best players for Boisdale were Billy Marshall, Timothy Dessent, Nicholas Marshall, Bedggood, Thomas Jolly, and Brandon Rimington.
Best players for Lakes Entrance were captains Angus McKenzie and Liam Carroll, Hudson, veteran defender John Hooper, Tim Sinclair and Jordan Clarke.
NETBALL
The Blues jumped into the top four in “A” grade netball, leap frogging the Tigers with a 70-44 victory, while a determined Lakes Entrance made Boisdale Briagolong work for the four points, getting home by 12 goals.
THIS WEEK
There are three matches to take place this week as round five kicks off, the match of the round sees Stratford at home to Wy Yung.
The Tigers sit unbeaten on top of the ladder, significantly ahead of premiership favourite, Lucknow on percentage.
Although not as strong as last year, the Tigers are yet to miss a beat and it will be interesting to see how they match up with Stratford, whose only blemish has been at the hands of Boisdale Briagolong.
Lucknow should been too good for Lindenow, although the Cats should take some solace in the fact they have been able push the better sides for at least a half so far this season.
They are due to put together a four quarter performance but the Magpies look a chance too big.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will host Paynesville this week, the Blues looking to get back on the winners list against the side coached by former local and goal kicking guru, Darren Vickery.
Ravaged by injuries, the Gulls have showed they are force to be reckoned with if they can get their best side on the park.
Orbost coach, Peter Seal, will be looking for his side to bounce back quickly and stay in touch with the top four.
With the Blues also having a reunion day for four past premierships, the players will be keen to put on a show and bank another four points in front of the stars of yesterday.
