Orbost Snowy Rovers caused an upset, comfortably accounting for Wy Yung in the East Gippsland “A” Grade netball preliminary final at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve.
The Tigers finished second on the ladder after the home and away season, entitling them to pre-game favouritism, but the Blues juggernaut has gained momentum in the past few weeks after sneaking into the finals on percentage.
The first quarter was a free-flowing contest with nothing separating the sides as they looked for any early advantage.
League best and fairest winner Caitlin Wright was leading the way for the Tigers, engaging in an enthralling duel with Orbost coach Hayley Boxall.
Wright and Symantha Churches were working hard in defence for Wy Yung creating some valuable turnovers, while Jewel Catlin and Jorja Savory were equally as effective at the other end.
The Tigers began the second term with a one-goal advantage, but it was short-lived as the Blues lifted the tempo, Hollie Fuhrmann, Lauren Treacy and Courtney Wade creating plenty of opportunities for Karina Robinson and Boxall.
Robinson, who shot 32 goals for the match, had her best quarter banking 10 goals at a high percentage rate.
By half time Orbost Snowy Rovers had opened up a five-goal lead with the Tigers struggling to stay in the match, having to adapt to playing without key defender Alison Lipski, who was ruled out due to injury on Thursday.
Playing with plenty of confidence, the Blues again applied maximum pressure early in the third term with a place in the grand final getting closer and closer with every goal.
Catlin and Savory continued to harass the Tiger shooters, as midcourt errors grew, Boxall and Robinson doing the rest as the lead grew to 11 by three quarter time.
With a large contingent of supporters right behind him them there was no stopping the Blues, who continued to go from strength-to-strength, even taking the opportunity to rest Fuhrmann in the final stanza, Lucy Quin coming on and continuing the Blues dominance through the mid-court.
Orbost Snowy Rovers was an impressive winner by 16 goals, the coaching staff quickly into recovery mode with all eyes on Lucknow, who have taken all before them this season, under the coaching of Erica Lynch, losing only one game.
FINAL SCORES
“A” grade: Orbost Snowy 55 d Wy Yung 39.
